Greeks Raise Record Amount for Program

Spring Fundraiser Sends OC Children to Summer Camp

June 14, 2010

By Debra Cano Ramos

Members of Alpha Chi Omega sorority participated in this spring’s Greek Week.

Cal State Fullerton’s Greek organizations raised a record $58,824 this spring to benefit Camp Titan, a philanthropic summer program for underprivileged children in Orange County.

Funds for the program are raised through various events throughout the year, including Greek Week. In April, more than 800 students in all 12 chapters under the Interfraternity and Panhellenic councils participated in Greek Week, said Maricela Alvarado, Greek Life coordinator.

“Greek Week is one of the university’s largest student-run events,” Alvarado said. “Members from each Interfraternity Council fraternity and Panhellenic sorority work together for five days of fun and excitement.”

Members of Phi Kappa Tau, Gamma Omicron Chapter, took home first place in fraternity fundraising for netting $9,800 for Camp Titan.

Fraternity and sorority members have been longtime supporters of Camp Titan, founded on campus in 1969 by students and sponsored by Associated Students, Inc. Camp Titan is funded through student fees, Greek Week activities and private donations.

Each summer, Cal State Fullerton students, including members of Greek organizations, staff the camp. Students donate their time as friends and counselors to the children who attend the weeklong summer camp in the San Bernardino Mountains. This year’s camp continues through June 19.

“The support that students from our sororities and fraternities give has been invaluable to the success of Camp Titan since its inception,” said Anthony Ragazzo Jr., director of ASI’s leader and program development. “It is so humbling to see the level of support that this group of students provides. I am amazed at how each year it seems that they raise more and more dollars.”

Tony Martinez, a member of Phi Kappa Tau, Gamma Omicron Chapter, participated in the chapter’s basketball game during Greek Week.

Participating sororities and fraternities collected funds by holding change drives, car washes and other fundraisers. They also sought donations from family members, friends, business owners and alumni.

Fundraising efforts end with Greek Week, which this year was themed “Television Networks: Don’t Change Channels, Change Lives.”

Phi Kappa Tau, Gamma Omicron Chapter, took first place in fraternity fundraising for garnering $9,800 for Camp Titan. The sorority that raised the most money was Alpha Delta Pi, which collected $19,100 for the camp. The Greek Life Office recognized the two groups for their top fundraising efforts at the end-of-the-week banquet.

Greek Week events included Olympic-style games, a chalk mural contest and a lip sync program, an entertainment show combining acting, dancing and props.

Phi Kappa Tau, Gamma Omicron Chapter, paired with Gamma Phi Beta sorority to win the Lip Sync contest. The chapter members chose the NBC theme and depicted “The Office,” “Biggest Loser,” “Saturday Night Live” and the Winter Olympics.

Alpha Chi Omega sorority members get into the Titan spirit and cheered on players during Greek Week's football games.

“The group came out strong this year because of the fact that we have grown a lot as a chapter over the past couple years,” said student Andrew Lopez, a former president of Phi Kappa Tau, Gamma Omicron Chapter, and current Interfraternity Council president.

“My favorite part of Greek Week was watching our chapter come together as one and supporting each other through all of our competitions.”

For more information about Greek Life organizations visit http://www.fullerton.edu/deanofstudents/greeklife/default.asp; or about Camp Titan, visit http://asi.fullerton.edu/asiprogramming/camptitan.asp.

Media Contacts:
Maricela Alvarado, Greek Life, 657-278-3211 or malvarado@fullerton.edu
Juanita Razo, Greek Life, 657-278-3211 or jrazo@fullerton.edu
Debra Cano Ramos, Public Affairs, 657-278-4027; 657-278-2414 or dcanoramos@fullerton.edu