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    WSU Greeks host fundraiser for Shriners Hospital

    The Weber State University Greek Council will be hosting a silent auction and benefit dinner for Shriners Hospitals for Children on April 3 from 6-8 p.m. at the Davis campus Ballrooms.

    All proceeds will go to Shriners Hospitals for Children in Salt Lake City. Shriners is backed by one of the largest philanthropic organizations in the world. They have 22 hospitals in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico that treat children with a variety of issues, ranging from deformations and amputations to burn victims.

    Greek Olympics Picture
    Pi Theta Xi, Psi Phi Psi, and Phi Gamma Lambda Fraternity with Delta Chi Nu, and Tau Psi Beta Sorority a few weeks ago at the Greek Olympics. (Source: Brendon Woodhall)

    The Greeks have set their sights on a goal of raising $20,000. In order to achieve this goal they will be relying on several sponsors and companies willing to donate to the cause.

    With the help of five fraternities and sororities, the Greek Council has been spearheading this event. They have received support from Weber State’s student Senate as well as WSU Clubs and Organizations. However, their main source of support is the community.

    “We’re inviting the community to get involved since they’ve always been one of our biggest supporters,” says Brendon Woodhall, Greek Council Philanthropy Chair. “We need community members to buy tickets for the event, as well as people or companies to donate towards the silent auction or even directly to the hospital. We are also seeking companies to sponsor tables at the event.”

    Shriners Hospital treats children without charging their families anything, regardless of their ability to pay. They rely on donations from events like this to run their hospitals and to help children for years to come.

    Woodhall says that his motivation for taking the initiative to create this event stems from his family’s personal experience with Shriners Hospitals for Children.

    “My youngest brother, Hunter, was born with a birth defect that affected his ankles and legs,” said Woodhall. “At 11 months, he had both of his legs amputated through Shriners.”

    According to Woodhall, Shriner’s has worked alongside his family to provide Hunter with the best care and prosthetics. Hunter, who is currently 16 years old, is now a part of the U.S. National Paralympic Team.

    “Shriners gave him his legs as well as a normal life, which is why I want to give back to this organization,” said Brendan. “My Greek family is also very supportive of this event because we would all like to help Shriners continue to make a difference in the lives of their patients.”

    “I think this cause is important because Shriners helps children every day whether the family of the child is able to pay or not. They change lives all the time and I believe it is only right that we give back to help them out,” said Tess Piper, a volunteer.

    According to Piper, when she heard of the fundraiser she immediately thought it was a great idea, so she decided to help and contribute as much as she could. She also extends an invitation to anyone interested in volunteering to do so.

    “If students or residents would like to get involved they can speak to anyone within the Greek system and we can point them in the right direction to getting involved,” said Piper.

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