Students participate in last year’s Sacred Heart University’s Greek Life See-Saw-A-Thon. (Tracey Deer-Mirek photo)
Sacred Heart University’s 650 Greek students will once again work together to raise money for a new playground at the Six to Six Interdistrict Magnet school in Bridgeport. Last year, the fraternities and sororities on campus got together for the first time for an all-Greek fund-raiser, and “Greek Life Goes Back to Give Back,” a 24-hour see-saw-a-thon was born.
Last year’s fund-raiser raised $10, 866 of the estimated $75,000 needed to complete the playground. The school’s PTSA has also been raising money for the project.
This year’s event on will take place from 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 27 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 28. Greek students will be riding five see-saws in University Commons in an attempt to raise more of the needed money for the playground through pledges and donations. Special guests, such as Big Red, Father Jerry Ryle, Dean Larry Wielk, Associate Dean of Students Denise Tiberio and Men’s Head Basketball Coach David Bike are also expected to clamber aboard the playground equipment.
Those who stop by the fund-raiser will find plenty to do besides cheering on the see-saw riders. A full slate of activities is scheduled, including games and contests, a movie and popcorn, exercise classes and a visit from students who attend the Six to Six school. The community is invited to stop by and participate in any and all of the activities.
The PTSA has been working to raise money to replace the school’s deteriorating wooden playground since September 2010.
“The Greek community is hoping that with this event and your help, we can get one step closer to giving these children a fun and safe place to play,” said Toni Ann LaMattina, vice president of Philanthropy for the Panhellenic Council.
Contributions to “Greek Life Goes Back to Give Back” can be made online at tinyurl.com/ShuSeeSaw2013. Cash or a check may also be given to Emily Cordero in the Student Activities Office, located in Hawley lounge.
“While the event is still a couple months away, Greek students have already been out in the community raising money,” said David Haverly, vice president of Philanthropy for the Interfraternity Council. “Any gift — big or small — will help. The students and their families have been working tirelessly to recycle bottles and cans to raise money for this project. The SHU Greek community is hoping that this event, with the help of the rest of the Sacred Heart family, will get them closer to their goal.”
