Photo courtesy of Sigma Phi Epsilon.
Stephanie Piedrahita/Staff Writer
The Florida Nu Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon here at Florida International University recently broke all their previous records by donating twelve thousand dollars to the Buoniconti Fund, a foundation with a focus to cure paralysis.
Their philanthropic ties with this organization stems from David Del Cristo, their former chapter president who suffered a spinal cord injury while in college and spent over three months in the hospital before making a full recovery.
After hearing this story, the brothers of SigEp decided to work together to raise awareness about paralysis and adopted the Buoniconti Fund as their own philanthropy. The Buoniconti Fund had been hosting it’s first ever block party at that time and that concept has been used by the brothers since 2010 in an effort to raise funds effectively.
These block parties include carnival games, food trucks and live music , all for a great cause. It was on Oct. 4, 2013 that the SigEp brothers here at FIU broke their previous record and fundraised a total of twelve thousand dollars.
On Jan. 18, 2014, the brothers finally presented a check at the 5th annual block party hosted by The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis and the Miami Project. Here, as appreciation towards their efforts and service, the chapter was recognized with awards and named one of the Leading Sponsors for the foundation.
Current SigEp President Andres Hermida, Vice President Jose Guzman, David Del Cristo, and the rest of the Florida Nu Chapter presented the check to Mark Buoniconti at the event, who thanked the chapter for their continued support. Buoniconti is also considered an honorary member of Sigma Phi Epsilon, which adds a personal touch within this service project.
Jose Guzman, a senior studying psychology and vice president of development in 2013 for SigEp, reminds us why it is important to be a part of service projects throughout the community.
“It changes our perspectives on what’s really important in life. We are raised to be so independent that we can forget that there are people in the world that need our help; and by being a part of such projects it lets those less fortunate know that there are people in the world that still care and are fighting for them. SigEp has always outstretched a helping hand, its great to see our efforts having an impact on our community.”
The Florida Nu Chapter hopes to continue their fundraising efforts and their long-standing relationship with the Buoniconti Fund.
steph.piedrahita@fiusm.com
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