NSU isn’t the only organization with service as a core value. The fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta, commonly known as FIJI, will exhibit their value of service during FIJIanthropy, a week dedicated to raising money for the United Service Organizations, the fraternity’s national charity, from Feb. 9 to 11.
The third annual event will feature a free mocktail party, with pina colada and margarita mocktails on Feb. 10 in the Don Taft University Center Spine, and Dodge the Chicken, a dodgeball-style tournament played with rubber chickens, on Feb. 11 from 5 to 8 p.m. in The Commons Pagoda.
Andy Phan, sophomore chemistry major and Fiji brother, said the brothers are excited for all of the events, but many of the brothers are most looking forward to Dodge the Chicken.
“It is the largest event of the three, and for such an odd concept ― using rubber chickens ― it is actually a blast to sling rubber chickens at each other,” he said. “The event is a blast, and anyone who has never tried hurling rubber chickens in a game of dodgeball is really missing out.”
Even though the events themselves have not changed much every year, Phan also said that the event has grown in attendance, money raised and, most importantly, spirit.
“Each year, our philanthropy chair and his committee brings greater ideas and even greater ambitions of what they can achieve with FIJIanthropy,” he said. “We hope that FIJIanthropy catches fire and maintains consistency like our most successful event, Miss Black Diamond.”
FIJIanthropy is one of two major charity events Fiji hosts every year. The first, Miss Black Diamond, is held every fall semester to raise money for Broward Partnership for the Homeless.
Phan said that both events were created to ensure that the fraternity donates money to programs in need every semester.
“We just have a great time raising money for USO,” Phan said.
The United Service Organizations, or USO, is a non-profit, congressionally chartered organization that offers programs and services for military members and their families. Provided services and programs include holiday care packages, Operation Phone Home, United through Reading Military Program, Operation That’s My Dress and more.
Fiji brother Forrest Newman, senior biology major, said that he’s excited about this year event and pleased with the number of people who are getting involved in raising money for a good cause.
“There’s a greater amount of participation within the fraternity and outside of Greek life this year,” he said. “I hope it motivates others to give back to their community and other organizations.”
Teams can sign up for Dodge the Chicken up to the time of the event. To participate in Dodge the Chicken, students must form teams of five and pay a registration fee of $10. Donations will also be accepted throughout the week.
To sign up for Dodge the Chicken, or for more information, contact Phan at ap1802@nova.edu.
