Coming soon to Sonoma State University’s campus is Phi Delta Theta Cal Sigma’s 20th annual Teeter Totter philanthropy event.
Phi Delta Theta Cal Sigma was established at Sonoma State April of 1997. However, Phi Delta Theta did not create their current philanthropy event until fellow brother, Woody Bolin, left a lasting effect on the fraternity and the community.
“Woody was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis in his early 20’s. The brotherhood then decided to start the event to raise money for his treatment” said Sean Macsween, the current president of Sonoma State’s Phi Delta Theta chapter. “He passed away a few years later and Woody’s impact on the chapter was so significant, they decided to continue this event in honor of his name.”
Phi Delta Theta’s Teeter Totter event is held every Fall and has become the largest fraternity philanthropy held on Sonoma State University’s campus. The fraternity also prides themselves on continuing the fight against Cystic Fibrosis, not only for their fallen brother Woody Bolin, but also for the rest of the Cystic Fibrosis community.
“Cystic Fibrosis is a life changing progressive illness which affects the patient’s lung capacity,” said Macsween. “It affects all ages and currently, there is no cure for this disease”.
This event will be held 24 hours a day, seven days a week starting on Sept. 30th at 8 a.m. to October 4th ending at 7 p.m. on campus at Sonoma State. A large teeter totter will be at the event where two people will consistently be rocking back and forth, to join in the effort to fight Cystic Fibrosis.
“The length of this event offers innumerable opportunities to interface with the entire Sonoma State, Sonoma County, and Cystic Fibrosis communities.” said Macsween.
The men in this fraternity truly believe in their cause and are driven to fight not only for the victims of Cystic Fibrosis but also to bring knowledge and support to those who are indirectly affected as well.
“My favorite part of this event is bringing our fraternity, alumni, community, and those suffering from Cystic Fibrosis together,” said Patrick Stack, a fourth year Phi Delta Theta brother. “It shows how strong our support system is and that those suffering from this disease will not fight their battle alone.”
From this event alone, Phi Delta Theta raises tens of thousands of dollars for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation every year. However, this year they are hoping to raise more money than ever before to help those in need.
“This year is our 20th anniversary and our goal is $20,000,” said Stack. President Macsween then added, “It is predicted that $90 million in research funding is needed to find a cure. Phi Delt is attempting to raise the $20,000 to make any difference we can.”
This event is not exclusive to only greek life. Instead, this is a campus wide event at Sonoma State University and is even open to the public.
“Phi Delt wants to include everyone in this event, whether you are a student or not. This is an event for the public and the Cystic Fibrosis community to raise funds and awareness.” said Vincent Spence, a third year Phi Delta Theta brother, “We play music, have couches and chairs set up, shirts and wristbands for sale, and more famously our giant teeter totter all open to anyone and everyone!”
Come out this fall and join the fight against Cystic Fibrosis with the Phi Delta Theta men from Sept. 30th- Oct. 4th. If one is unable to attend the event, Phi Delta Theta offers several other ways to support and join in. The fraternity encourages those to stop by their table Mon.-Thurs. in Seawolf Plaza from Sept. 16-26, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. or go online to www.ssuphidelt.com/philanthropy to donate or purchase a shirt or wristband. All donations and funds go directly to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in hopes to find a cure.
