Page 4 - The Illinois Sig - Spring 2010

Sigs Key To Success of Campus Charities

by Alex Brohammer ‘12
hile the chapter is extremely proud of our efforts to raise money
Wfor Children’s Miracle Network through Derby Days, many
brothers have chosen to volunteer their time, talents, and effort to
help raise more money for the charity Dance Marathon. Our brothers
have taken time to in the success of two on campus charities, Dance
Marathon and Golf for Help.
Dance Marathon, (DM), is the largest student-run philanthropy
in the world. Students representing their colleges from across the
U.S. work together with the purpose of raising money to combat
children’s cancer. The event originated at Penn State University
in 1973. For 8–48 hours (depending on the event), the “dancers”
stand on their feet to show support for the families and children of
the event’s charity and to generate awareness about the cause. The
philanthropy however is truly a year-round activity, consisting of
various fundraising activities and general campus awareness. As
originator, Penn State is considered the DM leader and role model;
in their 2009 event, they raised over $7 million with over 15,000
participants. From Left to Right: Kneeling: Bobby Gehm, Finance Committee; Mike Hagstrom,
Dancer Relations; Standing: Greg Lamorema, Dancer Relations; Brian Mallen,
The 3rd Annual Illini Dance Marathon was held on February 19- Marketing Committee, Mike Kniery, Marketing Committee; Anthony Munari,
20, 2010 at the ARC, in the heart of the Illinois campus. For more Marketing Committee; Paul Aquino, Finance Committee
information about the event, visit www.illinidm.org.

Dance Marathon

obert Gehm, sophomore, has been in charge of the finance to see DM evolve and grow larger every year. Robert adds, “With
Rcommittee for DM. DM on the U of I campus was introduced in more and more of our brothers getting involved with the charity, it
2008, where they raised about $5,000. This year’s goal was to raise will become a traditional brotherhood activity.”
$20,000. With the growing exposure and participation, they hope to Several Kappa Kappa’s are involved in DM; Fadi Bahkos ‘11
become a significant contributor in the combat of children’s cancer is the Marketing Chairman of the event. Anthony Munari ‘12,
Last year Robert was involved as a dancer / participant in the DM Gregory Lamorena ‘12, and Brian Mallen ‘12 are also on the
event. This year he took on more responsibility, being in charge of marketing committee.
the Finance Committee. The financial committee’s duties consist of
handling and securing all money raised from year-round fundraising Golf for Hope
activities, recording all money raised, and updating executive
members of on fundraising totals. Robert has also been spreading nother brother,
awareness amongst the Sigma Chi brothers, “I am happy to say that AMatt Briskin
nearly 50 brothers will be participating in DM this February.” ‘09 who is working
Recent graduate on his Master’s
Andrew Sullivan Degree is also taking
‘09 was the overall the time to develop
President of the U a charity of his own
of I DM last year, so called “Golf for
he helped encourage Hope”. Matt took Yacht Party, 1984.
many brothers get the time to explain
involved in DM last the philanthropic
year. His efforts in efforts of Golf for Matt Briskin ‘09 poses with golfers at ‘Golf for Hope’.
getting the event Hope. Golf for Hope
established and is a charity golf fundraiser that he helped plan. The event took place
laying the groundwork to help make the event a success cannot be on September 27th at Urbana Country Club with all proceeds directly
overlooked. Andrew used his connection to the Greek nation to help benefited Hope Community Health Center of Champaign. Matt has
get fraternities and sororities involved in the event. Students are now a close connection to the center, volunteering at Hope Community
able to register for the event in teams; Sigma Chi continues to be the Health Center since the summer of 2008. All proceeds go to Hope
most involved group with three teams this year. Community Health Center, which is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
DM has been a great event for the brothers to be involved with. It is a free clinic in Champaign offering basic medical care to the
It has been a motivating experience seeing how thankful the children, underinsured or uninsured.
whom are the benefactors of the event, are of the DM’s efforts. Also, Matt talks about his experience creating the charity, “It was a
being a very new organization, it has been exciting for the committee very interesting and rewarding experience. I primarily worked with
4 see Golf, on page 6