EJ JACOBS
Asst. Life & Arts Editor
Graphic by NICOLE THORSON | Staff Artist.
At the beginning of March, the sorority Sigma Gamma Phi and Blackhorse Rugby Team got together to do something neither group had ever done before. They held events to raise money for an important cause: March of Dimes.
March of Dimes is a United States organization that works to provide support for mothers and babies. The organization aids babies born prematurely and helps them both neurologically and emotionally. Sigma Gamma Phi has been raising money and awareness for them since the early 2000s.
“I think the thing that stands out to me and what we value in Sigma Gamma Phi is inclusivity,” said Katherine Hanley, philanthropy chair of the sorority. “I think it’s really important to educate people that it’s not only just women who become pregnant.”
Due to COVID-19, Sigma Gamma Phi’s philanthropy faced some difficulty, but as the pandemic becomes further in the past, the group is hoping their events will encourage more people to come out and help raise money in the future.
During the month, the group hosted events such as Pie a Sigma Gamma Phi and a Rugby Guy, a karaoke night and a fair. Along with these events they also offered raffle baskets.
This is one of the first collaborations that Fredonia’s Sigma Gamma Phi has been a part of. Collaborating with Blackhorse Rugby was very beneficial for both groups.
“I think that besides organizations hanging out as friends, they definitely should try to do more on-campus events and co-host them,” said Max Hamilton, president of Blackhorse Rugby.
All photos taken by DREW PALUCH | Photo Editor.
Hanley added, “It was a lot of fun, too, for the groups to interact with each other. We had so many people turn up for the event, not only for one group or the other but for both of us. And it just brought in a lot of people. And it was very successful and raised money for the March of Dimes. The event and cause was something that both of our groups really valued.”
In the future, Sigma Gamma Phi said the only thing they would change is the time they held their events. Due to the events taking place right before spring break, they feel that the turnout they received this year wasn’t as good as it could have been.
Overall, Sigma Gamma Phi and Blackhorse Rugby raised $278 from the pie event, and then $140 from selling raffles throughout the entirety of the week of events. If you want to donate to the March of Dimes, you can visit: https://www.marchofdimes.org/donate