Club & Greek

Pennies From Heaven

There are six sororities on campus here at the University and each have their own philanthropy which they hold events to fundraise for.

Phi Sigma Sigma’s philanthropy is the National Kidney Foundation. To raise money for this, they hold two big events throughout the year.

The first one is Monmouth Idol. It is held in the fall semester; tickets are five dollars in advance and seven at the door. Any student is eligible to participate if they would like to. There are prizes given to first, second, and third place and the proceeds go to The National Kidney Foundation.

The other event they have is the pancake breakfast, held in the spring semester and the tickets are also five dollars. The sisters of Phi Sigma Sigma make pancakes, and it is an all you can eat event. This event takes place in the basement of Spruce Hall, and the proceeds go to The National Kidney Foundation.

Laura Trachtenberg, senior, is the Archon of Phi Sigma Sigma. “I think it was a very unfortunate circumstance for the family who started the foundation, but it has turned into a wonderful opportunity to raise money for people who need it,” said Trachtenberg.

Fundraising is something that every Greek organization holds close to their hearts. On Wednesday, December 12, Phi Sigma Sigma will be fundraising for a different organization, Pennies From Heaven – Caleb’s Foundation.

One of the sisters of Phi Sigma Sigma, Elena Pellarin, senior, holds this foundation close to her heart. “A good friend of mine who had lost her baby to cancer started it. I have been wanting to help her for a while but was not sure how to. Her family has been going through difficult times lately so I wanted to do something to raise her spirits and remind her that people care,” said Pellarin.

The foundation raises money for families with critically ill children. Pellarin has been sending around collection jars in classes as well as to other Greek organizations to spread awareness for the foundation and raise money for it.

Every person that donates a dollar or more will be given a cut out of an angel for them to write their names on and tape onto a big board. At the end of the day, the board will be covered with angels that will be given to the mother who lost her baby. All of the donations will also be given to her to help with her foundation.

Madeline Diaz, junior, is also a sister of Phi Sigma Sigma and will be taking the position of Vice Archon starting next semester. “I am definitely very excited about this event. Although it is the first time we are hosting something like this it is definitely for a very good cause. It feels great to be helping out these unfortunate families by involving the whole Monmouth University community as well,” said Diaz.

Phi Sigma Sigma will be collecting donations in the Student Center from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm on Wednesday, December 12. All donations are welcome. To learn more about Caleb’s Foundation, check out their website: http://www.calebspennies.org/.