Mu Sigma Upsiton Sorority and Alpha Phi Alpha have taken up residence in the Student Union this week, focusing their efforts on charitable causes by selling baked goods.
The Mu Sigma Upsiton Sorority is raising money for a five-mile AIDS walk in New York City on May 20. All proceeds from the walk benefit AIDS research and awareness.
"It is a really good cause," said Kaylee Sokol, a sophomore American studies major. "Many people come out and raise a lot of money but we are just glad to be helping out."
According to Sally Javier, a sophomore nuclear medical technology major, their efforts have already exceeded expectations, but she believes there is still need for more donations.
"If people want to give," Javier said, "they can sign up for the walk or just donate a little by buying one of our baked goods for as little as 75 cents. The more money we get in, the better."
Thanks to one of the sisters in the sorority, a local company has agreed to double whatever the sorority raises.
According to Sokol and Javier, the walk is a must-do event.
"It is really amazing how many people attend this event and help out," Sokol said. "A lot of people volunteer to hand out water and help the walkers. Because so many people attend, seeing people you haven't talked to for a long time is common. It is a lot of fun."
Last year's walk raised $6 million worldwide and Mu Sigma Upsiton Sorority hope to contribute by exceeding their amount from last year.
The Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity is also looking to the UB community for a charitable cause. The fraternity signed up with the March of Dimes in mid-March in order to gain some community service experience.
Although they entered the effort a little late in the game, the fraternity is eager to raise as much money as possible for March of Dimes. The fraternity is raising awareness at both UB and Buffalo State campuses, and is excited to help raise money for such a great cause.
"March of Dimes raises money for premature babies," said Marylyne Kernizan, a sophomore majoring in exercise science. "This is in order to help the babies live full lives after they leave the hospital. We're very enthusiastic about helping out."
According to Kernizan, the fraternity signed up for the program online and then organized a meeting in which five of their members met with March of Dimes representatives.
As a result of this meeting, the fraternity is now accepting donations in the Union or online through the March of Dimes Web site. They are participating in the March of Dimes annual walk, which will be held downtown in Niagara Square Saturday at noon.
Despite the event ending this week, Kernizan was enthusiastic about future efforts of the fraternity.
"This is a year-round effort," Kernizan said. "Just because we're doing this right now doesn't mean it's over as soon as this is completed. Every little bit helps."
Students are encouraged by Alpha Phi Alpha to contribute as much as they can. If they are unable to pay a large amount, students can have their names written on a little paper bottle for a minimum donation of 50 cents or on a large bottle for a dollar.
