by Aaron Butts
Every year the sisters of Delta Phi Epsilon host their philanthropic event known as the 65 Roses Gala in support of The Cystic Fibrosis foundation.
Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disorder that attacks mainly the lungs, liver, and pancreas. There is currently no cure for the disorder itself, which is what the 65 Roses Gala is all about changing.
This year’s event was held at The Boathouse, located at the junction of the Olentangy and Scioto Rivers overlooking the city’s skyline.
Such a magnificent location set the stage for a night that would be filled with a lovely mix of guests, delectable cuisine, touching testimony, and of course, dancing.
The night began with a spread of several silent auction baskets filled to brim with items to tempt the pocket book of every attendee looking to support a worthy cause.
Everything from a gift card to Victoria’s Secret to a gardener’s themed basket was presented. Each donated by a business, family, or organization looking to do its part in supporting the Gala.
Bidding and mingling went on as the night continued into dinner. Attending the Gala became all the more satisfying as the pallet of each guest was indulged in the night’s main course.
Shortly following dinner, Ashley Dellinger, a freshman in Sigma Alpha Beta, gave the night’s keynote speech on how Cystic Fibrosis has impacted those close to her.
She spoke about her sister’s battle with the disorder and how her passing affected Ashley and her loved ones.
She also shared the testimony of her brother, age 29, who is currently battling the disorder. Dellinger’s insight into the world of dealing with the genetic disorder touched the hearts of everyone in attendance.
A note of particularly serious energy fell over the room as Dellinger’s speech came to its conclusion.
One that reminded each guest of the reason they were in attendance of the 65 Roses Gala: to help make a difference. Immediately following Dellinger’s testimony, the winners of each basket were announced.
Many organizations from Capital were represented at the Gala. Among others were Sigma Alpha Beta, Alpha Sigma Alpha, Alpha Sigma Phi, Phi Kappa Psi, and, of course, Delta Phi Epsilon.
“About 150 people were in attendance and after some rough calculations, the event made around $4,200,”
Megan Zied, coordinator of the event, said. “All of the money made by the Gala is donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.”
The reception room opened up as a dance floor on which attendees showed their best moves.
Seeing so many different people and organizations represented posed a most comforting observation; all these individuals can unite for one cause and have a magnificent time.
They may all come from different places, wear different Greek letters on their shirts, and study different subjects, but one conclusion remains true: to be caring is contagious.
abutts@capital.edu
