Philanthropy brings together Greek life and Student Government

Student Government and the Kappa Sigma Fraternity held a joint fundraiser yesterday at The Rat for the Fisher House Foundation. (Jenna Beaver)

Members of Student Government and the Kappa Sigma Fraternity held a fundraiser at the Rathskeller on Mason’s Fairfax campus Wednesday evening where 15 percent of proceeds were donated to the Fisher House Foundation.

Fisher House is a unique private-public partnership that supports America’s military in times of need by providing humanitarian support beyond what is normally provided by the Defense and Veterans Affairs departments.

Since members of the military and their families are stationed worldwide and must often travel great distances for specialized medical care, Fisher House Foundation donates “comfort homes,” built on the grounds of major military and Veterans Affairs medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times – during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury, according to the group.

Nathan Dorfman, a Mason sophomore and Student Government senator, said members of Student Government are very appreciative of our country’s service members. He was glad that his fellow senators wanted to give something back.

“We helped fund the construction of a new Fisher House at the Naval Medical Center in Bethesda last spring,” Dorfman said.

Khang Nguyen, a Mason sophomore, pledged Kappa Sigma in spring 2010. He said his fraternity helps raise money for Fisher House by hosting two events each academic year.

“In the fall semester, all chapters of Kappa Sigma come together for the Marine Corp Marathon in D.C.,” Nguyen said. “The spring is usually a restaurant fundraiser.”

Kevin Brown, a Mason sophomore, joined Student Government in February 2011. He said Student Government members wanted to get involved with Kappa Sigma’s philanthropy this year.

“The military is a large part of our society and Fisher House is an important program that helps support people in need,” Brown said. “SG wants to show that they care about others [in the community]. Supporting this cause is a great way to bridge the gap between Greek Life and Student Government.”

For more information on the Fisher House Foundation, visit their website.