Two Greek organizations at Sam Houston State University have come together to host a charity run to benefit the men and women serving in the military.
Panhellenic sorority Alpha Omicron Pi and Interfraternal Council fraternity Phi Gamma Delta will host the Freedom Run charity race Friday on campus.
Alpha Omicron Pi philanthropy chairman Selena Christofferson said the event will wrap up a week-long period of donation collection for the United Service Organizations and Sisters for Soldiers.
“This entire week, which we called freedom week, we gathered canned goods and toiletry items for the USO and Sisters for Soldiers,” Christofferson said. “On Friday at 6 p.m., we’re doing our freedom run to end out our week.”
Christofferson said this is the first time the two Greek organizations have worked together to put on an event, and both organizations’ involvement with military charities helped the two coordinate their efforts.
“I think it’s super important to include other organizations, especially when it benefits a great cause. With this week being the week of veterans day…having us be really involved with helping men and women oversees and [Phi Gamma Delta’s] philanthropy being USO… having that common ground where we understand the importance of military service and we fully recognize what they do for us each and every day, it motivated us to come together. We’ve just been having a lot of fun and it creates a great name for both organizations on campus. We’ve loved helping raise awareness and money to go to these amazing causes while having fun at the same time. It’s really a win-win situation for everyone.”
The charity run will feature a 5K run and 3K dog walk, with a costume contest for participants.
“We’re going to have best costume for pet and runners,” Christofferson said. “We’re going to have first, second and third place prize winners.”
With the Freedom Run being the first joint event Alpha Omicron Pi and Phi Gamma Delta have organized together, the cooperation between the Greek organizations aided in the planning of the charity run, according to Christofferson.
“I’ve never done anything like this before, so it was kind of hectic because I didn’t really know how to start,” Christofferson said. “Even though there was so much planning going in to it and trying to get people to participate or donate or anything like that, it was really nice having all of the help from both the fraternity and my sorority. I was surprised with how willing everyone was to help with the whole process. It’s been a lot of fun and I can’t wait.”
The Freedom Run begins at 6 p.m. Friday on the corner of Bobby K. Marks Drive and Bearkat Boulevard. While the organizations have been accepting registration for the run throughout October and November, those who are interested can sign up for the run up until it begins.
A $20 entry fee is due when signing up for the run, but is discounted to $10 if five toiletry items are donated. Donations of any quantity will be accepted as well.