FAIRFIELD, CT - Sacred Heart University’s 600 Greek Life students are working together to raise money for a new playground at the Six to Six Interdistrict Magnet school in Bridgeport. “Historically, the ten fraternities and sororities on campus have all done their own philanthropic projects, but they have never gotten together for one all-Greek Life fundraiser. We wanted to change that,” said Meg Campbell ’12, Panhellenic Council president. And so “Greek Life Goes Back to Give Back” – a 24-hour See-Saw-a-Thon was born. “We are going back to our childhoods to give back to today’s youth,” Campbell explained.
From 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 30, to 6 p.m. on Thursday, December 1, Greek Life students will be riding five see-saws in University Commons in an attempt to raise at least $12,000 of the $70,000 needed to build a new playground at Six to Six. The only exception will be just before lunch on Thursday when special guests, such as University President John Petillo, Father Jerry Ryle, Dr. Peter Maresco and Associate Dean of Students/Greek Life Denise Tiberio, will climb aboard the playground equipment.
Those who stop by the fundraiser will find plenty to do besides cheering on the see-saw riders. A full slate of activities is scheduled, including games and contests, a movie and popcorn, a DJ, Zumba, Hip Hop Aerobics and a visit from students at the Six to Six school. The community is invited to stop by and participate in any or all of the activities.
“We wanted to find a project that would give back to the local community. As I was searching online, I found a story about this school raising money for a new playground by collecting bottles and cans,” Campbell said. “If you visit their current playground, you see deteriorating wooden structures. Only the slide appears to be usable. In addition, we are told that the rotting swings and monkey bars have become home to huge bee hives that keep the kids from playing there in the summer and fall,” she said.
The students hope the See-Saw-a-Thon will become an annual event to raise money to help area children. Contributions to “Greek Life Goes Back to Give Back” can be made online by visiting www.sacredheart.edu/seesaw.cfm. You can also send cash or a check made out to Sacred Heart University to the following address:
Sacred Heart University
Office of Student Life
Attn.: Greek Life Goes Back to Give Back
5151 Park Ave.
Fairfield, CT 06825
“The students and their families have been working tirelessly to recycle bottles and cans to replace their deteriorating playground. The Greek Life community is hoping that this event – with the help of the rest of the Sacred Heart community – will bring them one step closer to a safe and fun place to play,” Campbell concluded.
