Friends, family, baseball lovers and arthritis advocates came together as Alpha Omicron Pi took on the big leagues while teaming up with the Philadelphia Phillies to Strike Out Arthritis.
On Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. sisters from the Tau Lambda Chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi at Shippensburg University took philanthropy to a new level at Citizens Bank Park.
Proceeds from the ticket sales went towards the Arthritis Foundation when mentioning Alpha Omicron Pi. Fans attending the game donated an additional $210 to the cause.
Shippensburg University’s student Holly Plenskofski, current philanthropy chair, organized the event with help from chapter members and advisors. Chapter members showed their philanthropy spirit as they wore blue baseball tees to show their support for arthritis.
“I go to a lot of Phillies games but this one was special because I got to spend time with my sisters and make a difference,” says Kelsey Amidon.
During the game chapter members raised awareness about arthritis and had the opportunity to meet other chapters from local schools.
Plenskofski says her favorite part of her position is “having the opportunity to get the word out about our organization and what we do for Arthritis. I also love raising money for a good cause while working with the Arthritis Foundation”.
The Tau Lambda Chapter hosts two philanthropy events each year. The fall event, Spike Out is a double-elimination volleyball tournament that will take place on Oct. 4 at 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the rec center. During the spring Strike Out event, participants play in a double elimination whiffle ball tournament.
The chapter hopes to expand their events at the university as well as continuing to take part in larger events in the future.
The Arthritis Foundation is the largest national non-profit organization that works towards funding treatment, prevention, and awareness. Arthritis is Alpha Omicron Pi’s International Philanthropy that contributes thousands of dollars a year to the Arthritis Foundation to help find a cure. The organization consists of over 160,000 members. At least 15 additional Major League Teams have gotten involved Striking Out Arthritis this year.
During the 2013 baseball season there were three Strike Out events with Major League Baseball teams, which raised over $4,500.
For more information on getting involved with Alpha Omicron Pi’s Philanthropy events contact Plenskofski at hp2662@ship.edu.
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