Big Brothers Big Sisters gets a big boost from FSU Brothers
The Florida State chapter was on a mission in 2024 to support brotherhood… and sisterhood, through determined and well-planned fundraising efforts for Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS). The FL Epsilon Lambda brothers welcomed the challenge, setting a high-reaching goal of $10,000.
The chapter has an affinity for the concept of “bigs and littles” and have developed a great working relationship with BBBS of the Big Bend, which is close to campus. They recently participated in a sports buddies program with the kids.
Setting the fundraising goal
Inspired by the chapter’s fundraising success in 2023 (the chapter raised over $5K for BBBS), Rex Kory Gehring and Philanthropy Chair Luke Morrison upped the ante, doubling the goal for 2024.
They did so pretty confidently, knowing they had the backing and full support of the brotherhood, who made time to organize and staff events, spread the word, generate support, and make the right contacts with campus influencers.
A plan for philanthropic success
The chapter drew up a weeklong series of competitions and events to generate support and donations. They partnered with sororities and local businesses and heavily promoted activities through social media channels.
The “Pilam Princess” competition invited sorority friends of the chapter to compete for the coveted title of sweetheart. It was very competitive among the nominees who asked their social followers to donate to the cause.
The chapter also partnered with local restaurants and food trucks who promoted the cause and agreed to give a portion of their profits to the fundraiser. In addition, ticket sales from planned events at the house, like a pumpkin carving contest and a volleyball tournament added to the tally.
And in a “Cinderella Story,” brothers took first place in the IFC Charity Golf Invitational and donated the $1,000 prize to the campaign.
Big Brothers Big Sisters and Pilam brothers for the win!
The efforts of the FL Epsilon Lambda brothers paid off for Big Brothers Big Sisters, raising over $17,000 this year! The chapter will be recognized in 2025 at a BBBSA banquet celebrating donors.
“Words cannot express our true level of gratitude. This is the largest donation that our agency has received from a group/Fraternity! Since we connected last year you all have truly embraced our mission of creating and supporting mentoring relationships that help youth see their full potential.”
– Molly Lord, CEO Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Big Bend
In addition to the satisfaction of supporting an organization that does amazing work with mentoring, brothers were thankful for the practical experience they learned. Luke Morrison, a hospitality management major said, “I learned a lot of practical skills about organizing the events, building partnerships, marketing, logistics, and tracking results.”
Snaps to the FSU chapter on far exceeding your goals, and being a shining example of giving back!