The annual Alpha Chi Omega barbeque once again raised awareness about drunk driving. The barbeque was open to everyone and offered free food and beverages. The event also offered the chance to meet and mingle with the SMU Alpha Chis.
All the donations from the event go directly to Mothers Against Drunk Driving in memory of Stephanie Harmon, an SMU Alpha Chi who died in 2005 in a car accident involving a drunk driver. She would have graduated in May 2007.
This is the third year the cookout has specifically focused on her memory and every year is an improvement over the last, says senior Jill Brandenberg, president of the SMU chapter of Alpha Chi Omega.
“Her parents are still pretty involved,” she added.
Last year, the cookout was held in front of the Alpha Chi house with very low non-Greek attendance, according to Brandenberg. The Alpha Chis at the event all considered its relocation to the flagpole a marked improvement. They were able to raise $500 last year along with awareness about the dangers of drunk driving. This year, Brandenberg projects that goal will easily be surpassed.
Contributions do not come exclusively from the pockets of charitable passers-by.
“A lot of the fraternities and sororities will give sizable donations, and with 32 Greek organizations on campus, it can really add up,” she explains. “We get a bad rap, but that’s because people don’t generally remember the philanthropic and volunteer work we do.”
Alpha Chi locally supports Genesis Women’s Shelter, and as a sorority, their philanthropic spotlight is on supporting the victims of domestic violence. One of their highlighted events is ‘Alpha Chi Couture’ to be held this year on Oct. 18. Last year they raised over $18,000 in support of victims of domestic violence last year alone.
As for the barbeque, the improved location and wonderful weather were topics of praise for many attending Alpha Chi’s and others.
“This is one of my favorite events during the year,” says senior Katherine Tullos, Alpha Chi and Student Senate president. “I love the chance to come out here and support my sisters.”
“We’re doing it in shifts. Everyone will be here today,” Brandenberg explains. “I love being a part of it.”
The draw to the event extended beyond free food. The social aspect was also appealing for many. Other Greek organizations came out including the Rho Gammas who have recently voluntarily disassociated from the Greek system in order to support all Panhellenic organizations and philanthropies this year.
Senior Van Ann Bui and junior Michelle Provenzano came to support the Alpha Chis, praising recent improvements to the event.
Bui mentioned, “In the past it was in front of the house, it was hard to find [for non-Greeks].”
“The flagpole is a big improvement,” Provenzano said.
