The support for the victims of Hurricane Katrina strengthens and the massive relief effort currently in progress gains more contributors daily.
Many of the student organizations at ETSU have responded to the cry for help and begun their own efforts to raise money and items that will benefit the people affected by the storm. The Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity on campus has joined in the relief effort using cutting-edge methods – snow cones and cotton candy – to raise money.
Sig Ep has been providing snow cones and cotton candy to the students at ETSU for a small donation to the American Red Cross. Sig Ep has set up booths in front of Sam Wilson Hall and Sherrod Library to distribute the confections from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. this week. The money will be used to purchase items that the people suffering from the after effects of the storm desperately need.
“This is something that we wanted to do and we knew needed to be done,” said Brad Arlington, president of Sigma Phi Epsilon. “We originally considered taking donations of clothing and items like that, but we found out that the people that require aid from the Red Cross and other relief organizations are in need of toothpaste, soap and other toiletries. This way all the money we raise can go to purchase exactly what’s needed for the victims of the storm.”
Absolutely all of the money is going to the Red Cross. “Sig Ep isn’t even keeping the money we spend on renting the machinery and supplies for everything,” said Curt Collins, who is in charge of the fundraiser for the fraternity. “It’s not just been us pitching in to this particular effort either. Burger King has donated the ice and Sam Wilson has donated the use of a popcorn machine to help with the effort.”
The benefit outweighs the Sig Ep’s out-of-pocket cost for the fundraiser. “We will actually lose around $300 by doing this, but that’s small price when you look at the bigger picture,” Arlington said. “After Wednesday, I believe we’ve raised around $700 so far and we hope that we’re well over $1,000 after Thursday.”
The bigger picture is what Sig Ep is focusing on for this effort. They are just one of the many student organizations currently putting together fund raisers and events to help aid the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
“I know that the money that we raise is probably nothing compared to what a giant corporation or a celebrity could come up with, but I also realize that it contributes to the greater good,” Arlington said. “What we’re doing is not necessarily going to make a difference in a huge way, but every little thing counts.
“I just want all of donations that everyone here and all over the world have given to be used in the right way so that it really benefits the people who need it.”
Sig Ep’s booths, located outside Sam Wilson Hall and outside Sherrod Library, will be open until 4 p.m. Thursday.

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