Editor’s note: This article was initially published by Bella Folino, Correspondent. https://www.tiogapublishing.com/the_wellsboro_mansfield_gazette/community/fraternity-raises-money-for-local-woman/article_a8213ce4-8d7c-4be2-9870-0cf0657c086c.html
Sigma Alpha Epsilon is continuing its tradition of giving back to the community. From April 13-18, the college fraternity hosted its annual philanthropic campaign known as Paddy Murphy Week.
SAE at Commonwealth University-Mansfield is a national social fraternity that has been on campus since 2006. This year, they raised money to support a local woman who was diagnosed with cancer.
The week is kicked off with a ceremony held for the namesake of the event and reading of The Legend of Paddy Murphy. The story, set during Prohibition, follows Paddy Murphy, an infamous Irish bootlegger caught between Al Capone’s crime empire and Eliot Ness’s federal crackdown. It symbolizes the enduring bond of brotherhood that SAE holds at its core.
Anthony Dunkel, the philanthropy chair, organized the week of activities.
“This week is all about raising money for charity to honor a brother that died during prohibition,” said Dunkel. “I’m glad that we are able to choose someone locally who needs the money. It actually feels like we’re doing something and can make a genuine difference in that person’s life.”
Throughout the week, the brothers hosted various events on campus to collect money. Student organizations decorated coffin lids, while other students chose their favorite design through donations.
The winner of this year’s coffin lid contest was the sorority Alpha Sigma Alpha. Their coffin lid was created by a freshmen, Caydence Clarke.
“It was an honor to be asked to design the coffin lid and be able to paint it how I wanted,” said Clarke. “Throughout the week SAE made it so fun on campus while raising money for such a great cause. I’m glad that I was able to be a part of that.”
The brothers also collected money at their own expense. Each day, people could make a donation to smash a shaving cream pie into a brother’s face, throw a cup of water or crack an egg on a brother.
“It was a wonderful experience,” said SAE brother Seth Gorsline. “It was an ample opportunity to raise money by getting people that don’t like you to donate, so I told everyone I knew to come down. But I got it pretty good one day. I had egg yolk running down my back, shaving cream in my ears, and water down my pants.”
As they reached milestones towards their goal, the brothers had to complete a series of dares. One brother from Wellsboro volunteered to shave his head when they reached $300.
As they reached milestones towards their goal, the brothers had to complete a series of dares. One brother from Wellsboro volunteered to shave his head when they reached $300.
The week is capped off with the Miss Minerva talent show with a representative from each campus sorority.
“This is probably my favorite part of the week,” said Dunkel. “We get to bring everyone together and celebrate how much we were able to raise. And it is the end to a busy, rewarding week.”
The event began with contestants answering questions about themselves and their values. It then moved into a spelling bee and general trivia. The contestants ended the night by sharing their talent in hopes to win over the judges.
Alyvia Charriez of Zeta Tau Alpha won the competition after performing Wipe Out by The Surfaris on the drumset.
“I’m very happy I got to go against an amazing group of girls,” said Charriez. “They were so supportive and helpful. One of my favorite things from the event was that I got to meet Grandma Dawn, who was judging the event, and she gave me a hug and told me she loved my talent.”
SAE was able to donate $1,700 through the fundraiser and donations from local businesses.
