Alpha Omicron at the University of Virginia is starting to publicize their annual philanthropy for The Gordie Center. They are hosting an event called “Chi Dye” on September 18th to raise money and awareness for The Gordie Center.
“It’s a play off the word tie-dye, because we are asking Brothers, friends, and members of the community to purchase and tie-dye a Chi Dye t-shirt,” says Adam Ashley, O ’24, who is serving as fall Philanthropy Chair. “We will also be hosting a live band and facilitating a raffle of gift cards from local restaurants and businesses.”
Tie-dye, a live band, and a raffle, all for a good cause? That sounds like a great time at the Omicron Lodge. Even for those who won’t be taking part in person, you can help to support Chi Dye and The Gordie Center by donating to their philanthropy at THIS LINK.
“Just like our spring philanthropy event, we are campaigning heavily through social media and via email outreach to friends and family members,” says Ashley. “We’re hoping to raise $5,000 this time around.”
The Gordie Center, of course, is named after Gordie Bailey, a Chi Psi Potential New Member who passed away from hazing-induced alcohol poisoning at the University of Colorado in 2004.
“The Gordie Center is inherently centralized in Chi Psi because of that tragic event,” says Ashley. “Now that the organization’s headquarters are in Charlottesville (where the University of Virginia is located), it feels important to our Brotherhood to carry on Gordie’s legacy and dedicate our philanthropy to raising awareness about alcohol and drug misuse, as well as the concerns of hazing.”
Ashley says that most students have witnessed the effects of substance misuse firsthand, and their Alpha wants to be on the frontlines against it.
“Alpha Omicron is constantly striving to foster a positive culture in Charlottesville,” he says.
Chi Psi as a whole puts an emphasis on philanthropy, and Ashley believes the men of Alpha Omicron reflect the values of service with events like this one for The Gordie Center.
“Many guys in our Brotherhood are passionate about service work and giving back to the community, and we prioritize hosting really awesome events that people will want to donate to a great cause at,” says Ashley.
It sounds like they are well on their way to accomplishing that goal!
If you want to donate to Alpha Omicron’s efforts, or to The Gordie Center in general, please visit this link. Follow Alpha Omicron’s efforts on Instagram at @chipsi4gordie
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