Delta Phi Epsilon sorority will host its annual Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Week from Sept. 22 to Sept. 26.
Throughout the week, the sorority members will honor those who have passed away from cystic fibrosis, host the annual Mr. Fintastic male beauty pageant, and accept donations as they try to raise $5,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is one of the three national philanthropies that Delta Phi Epsilon supports. Rojeana Auriel Hall, a NSU student and former sister of Delta Phi Epsilon, died from cystic fibrosis in 2012.
Hall, who was a sophomore business administration major and was known as Auriel, died Oct. 14, 2012, from complications of cystic fibrosis. That year, Delta Phi Epsilon held Mr. Fintastic on Sept. 14. Hall was hospitalized at the time but submitted a video to kick off the event. In the video, Hall expressed her goal of raising $4,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, which would help her and her two siblings living with the same condition.
Delta Phi Epsilon president Brittany Medina,senior business administration major,said it is important for NSU students to be aware of cystic fibrosis because it has affected one of their peers.
“Unfortunately Auriel is no longer with us, but her fighting spirit and smile has an everlasting impression on all of our hearts and is what continues to drive us to fight for this disease,” she said.
Mr. Fintastic 2013 winner Bairon A. Madrigal-Mieles, junior double major in biology and marine biology, said cystic fibrosis is not something that many of us only hear about, but something that many of us have been directly affected by through the loss of a loved one.
“The loss of Auriel is something that impacted our campus,” he said. “As students and the future leaders of society, we all need to make sure we are aware, educated and actively working toward finding a cure to cystic fibrosis.”
Delta Phi Epsilon’s week began with a picnic lunch on the 22nd. On the 23rd and 24th from noon to 1 p.m. in the Don Taft University Center the sorority will table to collect donations for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, sell tank tops and sell tickets for Mr. Fintastic.
On the 24th, a vigil will be held at the Shark Fountain at 8 p.m. Medina said the event is a way for NSU to remember those who have lost their battle to cystic fibrosis.
“The candlelight ceremony give NSU students and faculty the opportunity to reflect on why we continue to fight for cystic fibrosis and donate toward the foundation in hopes one day there will be a cure,” she said.
To conclude the week, the 20th annual Mr. Fintastic male beauty pageant will be held on the 26th at 7 p.m. in the UC pit. NSU men will compete in several rounds including talent, island costume and a limbo competition.
During the show, a bucket will be around the audience for donations toward their favorite contestant. The contestant who raises the most money from the crowd will earn the title of Mr. Fintastic. All the money collected will be donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Madrigal-Mieles said attendees can expect the best male pageant and talent show on campus. Unlike past pageants that didn’t have a theme, this year’s will have an island theme.
“This event gets bigger and better each time, this year being no exception,” he said. “With the island theme, there will be a beautiful setup and island and Pacific food for those with VIP tickets.”
Madrigal-Mieles said his role as Mr. Fintastic is not only to support everything Delta Phi Epsilon does but also to focus his attention and efforts to their philanthropies, especially with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
“During Mr. Fintastic, my goal was not to win, but to raise as much money and awareness as I can to do my part into helping find a cure for the disease with the sisters of Delta Phi Epsilon,” he said. “Now, I am always helping their chapter with whatever I can. For instance, last semester I hosted their annual fashion show which raised more than $6,000 for philanthropy.”
VIP tickets for the pageant are available for $7. This includes special seating, refreshments and hors d’oeuvres.
Madrigal-Mieles said, “Attendees should come prepared to have a great night while putting their time and resources to a great cause.”
For more information about the events, please contact Medina at bm827@nova.edu.
