Alpha Sigma Tau Raises Suicide Awareness
Alpha Sigma Tau hosted their third annual Love Struck event at Pollak Theatre on Wednesday, February 15 at 10:00 pm. The event raised $1,305, which goes towards suicide awareness.
“Love Struck is an annual event that Alpha Sigma Tau has been holding for the last three years,” said Lauren Jackson, Alpha Sigma Tau event coordinator. “The purpose of this event was to raise money for suicide awareness in honor of our sister, Dana Peskowitz. All proceeds are donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention,” said Jackson.
Love Struck is a dating game where six boys and six girls from various campus organizations compete for a date with a suitor of the opposite sex by getting asked random questions and doing different tasks to show off their skills.
This was the first time that Jackson was in charge of organizing the event for the sorority. Jackson’s job included planning the event, acquiring the contestants and running the event itself.
The hosts of the night were junior Dayna Zeises and senior Brian Hentz. Zeises is a member of Alpha Sigma Tau, and was a contestant in this event last year. Zeises had never hosted the event before. “I’m a little bit nervous, hopefully it will go away when I’m up there,” she said.
Brian Hentz, member of Sigma Tau Gamma said, “I host our event [Don’t Forget the Lyrics] every year so I’m doing that again in a few weeks. “Don’t Forget the Lyrics” will be held March 20 at 10:00 pm in Pollak Theatre.
In round one, Renee Oleniacz of Phi Sigma Sigma and Jay Giaquinta of Sigma Tau Gamma each asked six bachelors and bachelorettes a series of questions about their personalities, hobbies and what they look for in a significant other.
In round two, the male contestants had to show off their best dance moves and do as many push-ups as possible. The female contestants had to strike their best cat walk pose. In round three, Oleniacz and Giaquinta got to meet their matches.
This event was publicized though facebook promotions, the Greek Senate and through print advertisements.
“My sorority was involved with coordinating and running the event. We had contestants from Phi Sigma Sigma, ZTA, Alpha Xi Delta, Sigma Tau Gamma, TKE, Phi Si, Alpha Kappa Psi, and Hawk TV. Delta Phi Epsilon also sent a donation in place of their absence, which was much appreciated,” said Jackson.
When students entered Pollak Theatre, they were greeted by a table of Alpha Sigma Tau sisters, who collected money for admission and handed out raffle tickets. During intermission, the students had a chance to win prizes which included a free cab ride from Moe’s Taxi Service, and gift cards to local places around campus such as Bubbakoo’s Burritos TGI Fridays, Let’s Yo, Scala’s Pizzeria and Juniors of West End. “Thank God [Juniors] didn’t burn down,” Hentz joked while awarding the prize.
Amy Bellina, Director of Student Activities and Student Center Operations, approved this event. “I met with her [Lauren Jackson] to approve the event and make sure that she knew who to contact for things like lighting, sounds, etc.” said Bellina.
The front half of Pollak was filled with students. “I came to support their philanthropy. Also, one of my sisters [Brittany Lauro] is in it,” said Nicolle Rodriguez, member of Alpha Zi Delta.
“It’s a fun, entertaining way to raise money for a good cause,” said Jackson. “We had a very big turnout and was glad that it beat last year’s turnout.”
PHOTO COURTESY of Alexis Orlacchio
