On Saturday, Oct. 10, Alpha Phi Delta hosted their 2nd Annual Fall Classic Charity Softball Tournament to raise funds for the Sunrise Fund at Stony Brook University.
The Sunrise Fund raises awareness about childhood cancer and benefits pediatric cancer patients and their families. The funds go to the respite center, playroom in the waiting area, facilities and programs, support services and research.
Programs funded by the Sunrise Fund include Our Little Heroes Support Network, School Re-entry Program, and Play Fit-Stay Fit. Our Little Heroes Support Network helps patients and their families cope with stress during their battle with cancer by throwing parties and providing emotional, educational and counseling services. The School Re-entry Program helps patients return to school as soon as they are medically cleared. Play Fit – Stay Fit provides physical education and nutrition classes to patients and their families.
Josh Seidman, Vice-President of Alpha Phi Delta, said the idea was developed by alumni, Anton Pagi. Pagi was studying abroad in Italy when he called Josh to tell him about his idea for a charity softball tournament.
‘I told him that if he could get the ball rolling then I’d do whatever I could to help him out,’ Seidman said. ‘Since that phone call, the ball hasn’t stopped.’
Last year, the Sunrise Fund received a $100,000 grant from the Bank of America Charitable Donation, the largest donation the Sunrise Fund has ever received.
Erin O’Sullivan, member of Theta Phi Alpha sorority, was involved with the Fall Classic last year and is playing again this year.
‘Coming together as a community for a common cause is an amazing thing; ,’ O’Sullivan said. ‘what is even more amazing is that we are trying to help our future kids.’
Many sponsors have teamed up with Alpha Phi Delta to give them discounts and donate food and money to the tournament. Dunkin’ Donuts, Stop N’ Shop, King Kullen, MetroMint and FedEx are just some of the sponsors who have helped their cause.
Through the softball tournament, Seidman wants to show the Stony Brook community and the surrounding communities the side of Greek life that doesn’t make it into the news, the side that goes against many of the stigmas that people associate with fraternities and sororities.
‘The simple fact that ten different Greek organizations are donating their time and money and have come together to support the APD Fall Classic, despite having different histories and traditions, shows the true nature of what being in a Greek organization is all about,’ Seidman said.
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