The Brothers of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and the Sisters of Sigma Delta Tau sorority held a car wash fund raiser yesterday. Proceeds were donated to the American Heroes Fund, a charity set up by Ahold USA, the parent company of the Stop and Shop supermarket chain. The Fund benefits the families of victims lost in the September 11 tragedy.
“It went really great, we raised around 748 dollars and change,” Sigma Phi Epsilon brother John Moore, a senior Communications major said. “We’re going to team up with Stop and Shop, and they said they’ll match it. We had the American flag out there and people were honking their horns. We had people pulling up and giving us donations. One person pulled up and gave us a check for fifty dollars.”
The event, held at Rafters Bar and Grill in Amherst, actually raised 886 dollars for the Fund, according to Sig Ep Brother Matthew Corwin. The Fund is one of many new charities that have sprung up in recent days as a reaction to the attacks.
“Stop ‘ Shop takes great pride in our connection to the community,” Marc Smith, President ‘ CEO of Stop and Shop said in a released statement. “By launching the American Heroes Fund, we assist the disaster relief efforts in a meaningful way and show support for our nation in its time of need. Together, we will work to make a difference.”
The event, explained Kara Slobin, a junior Communication Disorders major and Sigma Delta Tau sister, was a success.
“It was great, we raised a lot of money. Mostly it was for donations; people didn’t even have their cars washed. We raised around seven or eight hundred hundred dollars, and supposedly Stop and Shop is going to match that,” Slobin said. “There were probably 45 people there helping out and tons of people getting their cars washed.”
The Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity suffered along with the nation in the attacks. Brother Daniel Afflitto died in the collapse at the World Trade Center. Afflitto was employed by Cantor, Fitzgerald on the 104th floor of one of the towers. Brother Chris Larabee is reported to be missing in the South Tower collapse.
“Our brothers all over the country mourn them,” Moore said. “Our hearts are with them and their families.”
