NAU STUDENTS RAISE MORE THAN $30,000 FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS ARIZONA ATHLETES IN FLAGSTAFF AREA

MEMBERS OF NAU’S KAPPA ALPHA FRATERNITY RAISED A TOTAL OF $32,500 FOR SOAZ ATHLETES

Members of Northern Arizona University’s Kappa Alpha Order fraternity wrapped up a month-long fundraiser and announced it has raised $32,500 for Special Olympics Arizona (SOAZ).  The announcement was made with a check presentation to SOAZ athletes and staff following the Kappa Alpha Rose Bowl on Saturday, April 2, an event that featured a flag football game with Special Olympics Athletes and unified partners, as well as a football clinic for kids 10 and under.

Following the football game, Kappa Alpha had a celebration that featured fun lawn games and entertainment, free food and drinks, a 50/50 raffle, and live auction.  The event concluded with the special presentation to announce the students raised $32,500.

“We are ecstatic to receive a gift of this magnitude, especially from a group of college fraternity brothers,” said Jamie Heckerman, President and CEO of Special Olympics Arizona.  “We are so proud of the members of Kappa Alpha, the sororities and family members who put so much hard work and dedication into a great day of football, fundraising, and fun.  Our athletes enjoyed every minute and we are excited that these funds will be used to increase the services for athletes in the Flagstaff area.”

Kappa Alpha spent more than a month fundraising for SOAZ through weeklong philanthropy events, coin wars and t-shirt sales that included custom made shirts created specifically for the Kappa Alpha Rose Bowl.  The initial goal was to raise $15,000, which they more than doubled.

“My brothers and I at Kappa Alpha Order NAU have always had a special place in our hearts for Special Olympics.  Many of us have family members and relatives who participate in Special Olympics so we found it most fitting that we as a chapter support a cause we all have personal connections with, “said Kappa Alpha member Dylan Vitale.  “The idea of hosting this Special Olympics football game gave our brothers the chance to raise money for this foundation, get up close and personal with the athletes and make them feel as special as possible. It also gave us a chance to show the world a group of 70 men who set a goal of raising $15,000 could end up raising more than $32,500 for Special Olympics Arizona.  We love to break that stigma of what fraternities are, and we take great pride in making an impact in our community.”