Philanthropy
Philanthropy
What We Support...
The Alpha Epsilon Phi Sigma Chapter supports the development of ethics, intellect and leadership through supporting our community with philanthropy work and community service. Every year, Sigma Chapter puts on multiple events to support our national and local philanthropy organizations. Philanthropy is a huge part of every AEPhi chapter, and Sigma is no exception. Check out our causes below to learn more about how AEPhi supports our national and local organizations.
Our Causes
Our Causes
ELIZABETH GLASER PEDIATRIC AIDS FOUNDATION
The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation was adopted as one of AEPhi’s national philanthropies in 2000. Founded in 1988 by AEPhi Sigma alumna Elizabeth Glaser, who contracted the virus through a blood transfusion and unknowingly passed it to her children, EGPAF’s mission is to end HIV and AIDS around the world and to spread awareness about the disease. Through the work of the foundation and partnerships with organizations like AEPhi, research and knowledge of HIV and AIDS has greatly increased.
Each year, Sigma chapter puts on a powderpuff football tournament to raise money for EGPAF. Students from across campus come to this event to have fun, raise awareness for a great cause and even see some of our Wisconsin football players in action! It is an amazing way to honor and remember one our alumna and all her amazing work. For more information on EGPAF, click here.
SHARSHERET
Another one of AEPhi’s national philanthropies, Sharsheret is a national nonprofit dedicated to helping Jewish women living with breast and ovarian cancer and their families. AEPhi was proud to add Sharsheret as an official philanthropy in 2008.
At Sigma chapter, we host a “pink week” every year in October, which is breast cancer awareness month. During pink week, we host a variety of events, including trunk shows, fitness classes and restaurant deals to benefit Sharsheret. For one of our events this year, we had puppies from a local breeder at the AEPhi house, and students could make a donation to Sharsheret in exchange for time to play with them! It was such a fun way to bond with our sisters while supporting a great cause. We also have an annual Valentine’s Day cookie sale that benefits Sharsheret. If you are interested in making a donation, please click the link below, and click here to learn more about the organization nationally!
THE SHANA KAY MEMORIAL FOUNDATION
In addition to the two national AEPhi philanthropy organizations, Sigma chapter also supports the Shana Kay Foundation. Shana Kay was a member of Sigma’s 2004 pledge class and tragically passed away in the summer of 2005 after contracting a rare brain disease. Shana’s parents created the Shana Kay Memorial Foundation with two specific goals in mind: to share Shana’s story and to provide a scholarship to qualified and deserving students. The foundation awards two scholarships per year.
Sigma chapter will be holding a “Shakes for Shana” in the fall of 2020, where a portion of profits from a night of sales at the State Street restaurant Mooyah goes to the foundation. We also participate in multiple community service events across campus in her honor. Some of our service projects include volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House, helping with the cleanup effort at Picnic Point and delivering meals to members of Madison’s homeless community. Click here to learn more about Shana Kay’s legacy and the foundation.