This weekend, Phi Sigma Sigma is hosting their first major philanthropy event – the Phi Sigma Sigma Rock-a-Thon at Capital University. The proceeds for this event go to the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation, which supports the sorority’s national philanthropy, The National Kidney Foundation. Phi Sigma Sigma selected the Kidney Foundation in 1971 and proceeds to the foundation are used to promote basic and clinical research, public education, organ donor and transplant programs, and patient and family support groups.
The Rock-a-Thon is a national event, and every chapter of Phi Sigma Sigma does some variation of it. These variations can include rocking in chairs to raise awareness and funds, or holding an actual rock music concert to raise funds. Sophomore, and Philanthropy Chairman for Phi Sigma Sigma, Liz Lockridge, explained that Capital University’s chapter is doing a rocking chair rock-a-thon.
“The Rock-a-Thon is left to each chapter’s interpretation. The original meaning of the phrase when we began in the early 1900’s was to sit in rocking chairs for a set amount of time, so we chose to do that for our chapter,” Lockridge said.
The way the Rock-a-Thon works is a sponsor pledges a certain dollar amount to a member for every hour that member rocks. The Rock-a-Thon’s goal was to raise $35 from each member in the sorority equaling $1,715. Other Greek Organizations, Phi Kappa Psi and Alpha Sigma Alpha, donated to the Rock-A-Thon as organizations.
“With all of the support from our sponsors, both individual and organizational, we have met our goal and everything else we get from the rock-a-thon is going to go above and beyond our goal,” Lockridge said.
Junior, and Archon (President) of Phi Sigma Sigma, Bethanie Yoder, spoke about what the Rock-a- Thon meant for the Chapter at Capital.
“There are a few members in our organization whose family members have had kidney illnesses, and it means a lot to us as sisters to be able to support the foundation when its work directly effects our members. We’re also excited to carve our own niche into the service done at Capital University,” Yoder said.
The Rock-a-Thon will take place at TeeJay’s Country Place in Grove City on Sunday from 7 am to 9 pm, and at Capital University’s PO Lobby on Monday from 10 am to 8 pm. People can still actively donate during the Rock-a-Thon, and University Programming is Co-Sponsoring the event.
