Sing alongs and synchronized claps to fan-favorite songs such as “Breaking Free,” “Dancing Queen” and “Mr. Brightside” filled the NC Auditorium on Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 7:30 p.m. as Beta Theta Pi held their Karaoke Night philanthropy event.
Participants ranging from Beta Theta Pi members, members of other Greek Life organizations and simply any student on campus who wanted to take part in the event got to perform their favorite songs for fun in support of the fraternity’s philanthropy.
All proceeds made from the organization’s event went directly to the Thomas Matthew Miloscia Foundation. According to Thomasmiloscia.com, the foundation’s mission is to provide both financial and emotional support to cancer patients ranging from the ages of adolescent to young adults.
According to Beta Theta Pi’s VP of Finance, junior Luke Pensallorto, “The most rewarding part of hosting the event is all the money raised for the Thomas Matthew Miloscia Foundation. With the help from brothers, other sororities and the SHU community at large we were able to surpass our goal and brighten the day of such an amazing family in the Miloscia’s.”
Promoting the event at table times held on campus, as well as holding a raffle with prizes ranging from a cleat signed by an NFL player to a gift card to Ulta, allowed for Beta Theta Pi to exceed their fundraising goals.
Pensallorto added, “It is important to fundraise for our philanthropy as it goes to a great cause that many brothers have a connection with. It aids in supporting those with cancer to not worry about their medical bills but instead the road to recovery. After meeting the Miloscia family last spring, their generosity and thankfulness further pushes us to raise as much money as we can for the foundation.”
Junior Victor DiPierro, VP of Programming for Beta Theta Pi, said, “I definitely think it brought us closer because we were all on the same page in terms of fundraising. Everyone did their own part, whether it be working table times or going out of their way to get donations” regarding the philanthropy event.
Members from other Greek Life organizations on campus attended the event to show their panhellenic support.
“I feel like especially at Sacred Heart, we are very big on supporting other organizations, so I feel like it’s important for each of us to come and support to show that we support what they are doing, so they can also support what we are doing,” said member of Kappa Delta Sorority Karen Hansen.
As part of the Fraternity’s event, a highlight of the night for many was Julia Palermo from Zeta Tau Alpha was announced as the winner of “Beta’s Sweetheart.”
A candidate from every sorority was chosen, and the Sacred Heart community was able to fundraise towards the name of their choosing, and whichever sorority member raised the most donations won the title of “Beta Sweetheart.”
Beta Theta Pi was able to raise a total of $6,084 toward their philanthropy.
“Getting all the donations just makes such a difference for the families,” said member of Delta Zeta Rachel Pesce.
DiPierro also mentioned that aside from the karaoke night, which was their main philanthropy event, the organization also makes Christmas cards for the children’s section of the Bridgeport Hospital, which they will be starting after the Thanksgiving break to continue their fundraising efforts.