GENESEO- The Brothers of the Alpha Chi Rho (Crows) at SUNY Geneseo have been camping on campus all this week in an effort to raise money for cancer research.
As part of their 12th annual “Deep Freeze”, the Crows have been working in shifts around the clock in an effort to raise at least $5,500 to benefit the American Cancer Society.
“We’ve been organizing this since October,” said Dan Mathews was one of the chairs in organizing the event. “It’s had a lot of effort put into it.”
Alongside camping in the quad, the Crows have organized several fundraising events throughout this week, including a Southside Boys Concert which occurred on Tuesday, and a Cards for Cancer Patients and Open Mic night. As of Wednesday, the group has already raised more than $3,300.
Having experienced trauma of cancer first hand, Mathews stressed the significance of fundraising events such as this in combating one of the top causes of death in the U.S.
“It’s good for people to see us out there trying to make a difference,” said Mathews. “A lot of them have personal stories connecting them to cancer. Everyone knows somebody or has a family member who was lost to cancer, it’s up to them to try and help find a cure,”
The weeks final event of a “No Laugh Track Required” concert will go on Thursday at 7:30PM in the campuses Sturges Hall. Immediately following the concert, a candle light vigil for cancer victims will be held in the Sturges Quad.
“Pretty much anyone can do anything to support a philanthropy like the American Cancer Society,” said Mathews. “We’re a bunch of fraternity brothers, and a lot of people wouldn’t expect us to be out here 24 hours a day trying to raise money for cancer research. My message would be to tell everyone that there is something you can do- you can donate, you can volunteer. Camp out, and raise awareness for this important cause.”
For more information on Deep Freeze, or to donate, visit the group at the events Facebook page, HERE.