Lifestyle

Greek charity initiatives boost resumes – and can change lives

Fighting hunger isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of fraternities and sororities.

But for Christian Albano, do-good efforts are what attracted him to Kappa Sigma at Adelphi University his freshman year.

“A friend reached out to invite me to Super Hunger Fest, a huge community service event organized by this fraternity. After seeing how my peers and I could have fun and do some good at the same time, I was sold,” says Albano, now a 22-year-old senior and fraternity chapter president.

The annual fund-raiser was started a decade ago by another “brother.” Leading up to kickoff on Super Bowl Sunday, all 42 chapter fraternity members and some alumni fast for 24 hours, says Albano. During this time, “We raise awareness of hunger on Long Island by collecting non-perishable food,” he says. A minimum $25 participation fee helps raise more money.

The annual fast has taught Albano and his peers much about the reality of their cause.

“You’d think that Nassau County, one of the higher-income areas nationwide, wouldn’t have a hunger problem, but I’ve learned a ton about what people here go through,” says Albano.

‘I’m applying to law school and am interested in civil rights. I see my work with Hunger Fest as a reflection of what I stand for.’

 - Christian Albano, chapter president of Kappa Sigma at Adelphi University

In fact, one in 10 Long Islanders is struggling with hunger, says Randi Shubin Dresner, president and CEO of Island Harvest food bank. The Mineola, NY-based nonprofit moved nearly 9.5 million pounds of food across the region in 2015, and benefits from the fund-raiser.

Participating in the Super Hunger Fest has reshaped the daily habits of Albano and his fraternity mates.

“Our brothers live together and we recycle everything. I’ve been eating more controlled amounts — I’m less wasteful and more conscientious,” he says.

In addition, the fraternity’s socially impactful work will likely have a positive influence on Albano’s future career path, he says.

“The experience involves teamwork and planning a sizable event, but for employers looking at me, my involvement speaks mostly to character, values, and trying to do good. I’m applying to law school and am interested in civil rights. I see my work with Hunger Fest as a reflection of what I stand for,” he says.

Social-mission endeavors are also on the rise within New York University’s (NYU) Greek life, says David Gonzalez, assistant director of fraternity and sorority life.

Social organizations “give students a safe hub to find connection with those who have common interests, values, creeds and missions, and to make the world a better place,” says Gonzalez.

That was the case for the brothers of Zeta Beta Tau at NYU, says Julian Craitar, who graduated last May. In the fall of 2013, his fraternity connected with the B+ Foundation, which pairs kids who have cancer with young, supportive mentors.

The organization paired Craitar and other fraternity members with Christian Velez-Guzman, who was aged about 8 at the time, and who had been diagnosed with neuroblastoma.

To raise Christian’s spirits, “We scheduled visits at a nearby hospital center. We’d do outside activities like playing in Washington Square Park, and took him trick-or-treating on Halloween.”

Alpha Sigma Alpha sisters at Stony Brook University.

The fraternity also participated in a dance marathon and fund-raiser. Unfortunately, within weeks of this event, Christian’s health took a turn for the worse, and he passed away with the fraternity brothers by his side.

Looking back, “I’ve discovered that no matter how hard life hits you, a positive mentality will carry you forward. Nothing ever beat Christian down. I want to continue to make a difference, and not for my own interest,” says Craitar.

At Stony Brook University, Alpha Sigma Alpha “sisters” are focused on helping middle-school-aged girls who wrestle with body image, says Sarah Elsesser, a senior and member of the sorority.

Girls on the Run is one of three major philanthropies we support, along with Special Olympics and St. Jude’s Smith Center,” says Elsesser. “The statistics on young girls recovering from anorexia and bulimia confirm that a lot of girls struggle today. This national program shows them how to work out properly and teaches them about healthier alternatives.”

Elsesser’s sorority sisters hold fund-raisers to cover required fees to be a running buddy in the organization’s 5K run/walk event held in Nassau County in New York.

“It’s a great experience to see the girls so excited when they cross the finish line. We are mentors to them. They look up to us doing productive, healthy things,” says Elsesser.

For Elsesser, sitting on the executive board as recruitment chair of her sorority has taught her much about taking charge.

“There was a lot of responsibility and good pressure that comes with that position,” she says.