The sisters of Alpha Xi Delta, Iota Nu Chapter sold Rita’s Italian ice to raise money for leukemia awareness month during the student Involvement Fair outside The Student Center on September 22.
Last semester, one of the sisters of Alpha Xi Delta, Rachel Gerstein, was diagnosed with leukemia.
Alpha Xi Delta sold orange wristbands for three dollars and Rita’s Italian ice for two dollars for leukemia awareness in support of her.
First, Alpha Xi Delta needed approval from ARAMARK to set up their table. Then, they had to talk to Tyler Havens, head of the Greek Senate. After going through the chain of command, the sisters got permission for the cause and their table for the fair.
“We came up with the idea when we were at a summer event and saw how everyone loved Rita’s and thought everyone at Monmouth would as well,” said Lynsey Vivian, Alpha Xi Delta sister and event coordinator. Rita’s gave a discount on the ices they sold to Alpha Xi Delta for the fundraiser.
“No one has picked Rita’s for a fundraiser before, according to the Student Activities Board,” said Alpha Xi Delta Philanthropic Chair and recording secretary Brittney Penson, junior.
The sisters sold lemon, mango, and Swedish fish flavored Italian ice. One of the flavors of ice is orange, which is also the color for leukemia.
University students responded with positive feedback and were touched by the fundraiser. Some students donated money to the cause without buying an Italian ice or a bracelet.
“I think selling Rita’s ice was a great idea, they got a really nice day, and a great location at the Involvement Fair,” said Andrew Eldeman, junior. “I think it’s really great that they used a local store for their fundraiser.”
The sisters of Alpha Xi Delta raised more money than they expected with a total of four hundred and forty-six dollars. Gerstein decided that the money raised is going to go to the Embrace Kids Foundation.
This is an independent organization that fulfills the nonmedical needs of kids with blood disorders or cancer and their families. The Embrace Kids foundation funds counselors, child-life specialists, language interpreters, teachers and family service liaisons that can help both the patient and the family deal with the terrible news and hardship.
“I cannot thank my sisters of Alpha Xi Delta enough for the Rita’s Italian Ice sale for a cause so close to me,” said Gerstein.
The philanthropy of Alpha Xi Delta is Autism awareness, but they do fundraise for other causes as well. The sisters agreed that while leukemia is a good cause to support anyway, this fundraiser was special to them because they were able to experience it on a more personal level.
People from different clubs and organizations gave to the fundraiser and the sisters are very thankful to all that donated.
“We are a sisterhood, and sisters stick together, “said Stephanie Garcia, sophomore, “We support each other, and since our sister is battling leukemia, we will be fighting right beside her.
PHOTO COURTESY of Sandra Meola
