Alphatraz fundraising earns $1800
USU students were put behind bars Tuesday and Wednesday as the Alpha Chi Omega sorority held its Alphatraz charity event on the TSC Patio. The fundraiser was held to help victims of domestic violence.
For $2, students could issue a warrant for their friend’s arrest, putting them in “jail” until a bail was paid. General bail was $10, but was set at $40 to bail out a member of ASUSU, a Mr. USU contestant or homecoming royalty.
Kenna Fenton, a member of Alpha Chi Omega, said Mr. USU contestant Jarvis Pace was in jail for a full hour, waiting for his $40 bail.
“He was pretty desperate,” Fenton said. “I helped him out.”
Although similar Alphatraz events are hosted by other Alpha Chi Omega chapters, this was the second year for the event at USU.
“This is is great turnout compared to last year,” said Hannah Leve, the event coordinator.
“Last year we did it in the spring and it was lots of snow, and it was really cold so not many people came out. But we still raised a bunch of money.”
Event coordinator Hannah Leve said the sorority raised $577 on Tuesday.
“Our goal was to raise $1000 scholarship,” said Kelsey Devaney, chapter president at USU.
According to Leve, the sorority exceeded the goal by receiving $1818.85 in donations. She said it was a good amount for putting in a total of six service hours during the two-day fundraiser.
Fenton said the main organization the sorority supports is Community Abuse Prevention Services Agency (CAPSA) and all of the money raised goes toward college re-entry scholarships for victims of domestic violence.
“We get in touch with CAPSA and they inform us of possible candidates,” Fenton said. “We go through a process and then we award it to a specific person. Our philanthropy and various leaders get to choose who it is, along with CAPSA.”
Volunteers at the event solicited bystanders to donate any amount, and promised help with homework.
“I will help you write a paper if you give me money,” Fenton said.
Conor Reese, a member of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, said he donated $21 during the fundraiser. Reese had a warrant placed on him as well, putting him in jail for about a half-hour this morning.
“Nothing bad can come out of donating,” Reese said. “CAPSA’s a great organization.”
Reese said part of being a citizen is giving back to a community.
“If you’re questioning it, it’s a few dollars,” he said. “If you can’t live comfortably it’s understandable. If you can live within your own means, you can also give a little bit.”
– tmera.bradley@aggiemail.usu.edu