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Acacia Fraternity hopes to sell raffle tickets for free tuition, charity
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by Matthew Dolbey
Monday, April 12, 2004
With the purchase of a raffle ticket that is the same price of a 14-inch cheese pizza, students can not only give money to charity, but also possibly win $2,500 for tuition.
As part of an annual raffle, members of Acacia fraternity are selling raffle tickets at $10 each, with the proceeds benefiting the Special Olympics.
Shawn Smet, UW student and philanthropy chair at Acacia, said his fraternity, along with many other UW Greek organizations, strives to give back to the community.
“We try to do community service and raise money for events like this,” Smet said. “Most other Greek houses do projects like this throughout the year.”
As of now, Smet estimates the fraternity will donate up to $1000 to the Special Olympics. The Wisconsin chapter provides year-round sports training and hosts athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with cognitive disabilities.
The annual raffle began as an idea last year when an alumni and an active member sought to host an event to provide aid for the community.
“Our motto is human service, and we felt we were lacking in this area,” UW junior and former philanthropy chair Kevin May said.
When deciding on what type of service to do, Smet said the fraternity was looking to focus their efforts in one direction.
“Instead of little stuff, let’s do one big thing,” Smet said of their objective.
Smet said when the fraternity voted on what charity to give to, the Special Olympics came out as the top choice.
He also said an alumni always helps out at the Special Olympics, and last year many members stayed around and “helped out at the games” after the fraternity gave their check of $1500 to the organization.
May said that students should realize buying a ticket is not only easier than filling out a scholarship application, but it goes directly to people who can appreciate the money.
“This is pulling out your checkbook and knowing you’re also benefiting charity,” May said.
Smet added the fraternity saw the prize of winning tuition not only as an attractive offer for students, but also one that promotes education while benefiting the Special Olympics.
“That’s a good prize instead of just winning money, where people can waste it and blow it on whatever,” Smet said.
Smet said the fraternity has had members walk up and down State Street peddling the tickets. All the brothers have asked friends buy tickets, and they have also rented tables at the Memorial Union to promote the cause.
Although the fraternity has not yet met its goal in raising cash, May said 200 of the tickets were sold in the last four days of raffling.
Smet also added he would “do anything it takes to get [a student] a raffle [ticket],” even if it means going to their house or class or meeting them in the Union, he said.
Raffle tickets are available until April 15 at 7 p.m. To obtain one, call Shawn Smet at 608-658-1808 or email him at sesmet@wisc.edu
