The “got any spare change?” question is coming to students walking on campus this week.
Members of the LDS fraternity Sigma Gamma Chi will be asking for donations for their fund-raiser, “Give a Penny, Give a Lot,” as part of Sigma Gamma Chi Week.
The fund-raiser is designed to benefit students from Snow Springs Elementary in Lehi. This year’s goal is to reach $3,500, and proceeds will be used to purchase books for the students. Local author Rick Walton has agreed to sell his books at cost to ensure that each of the 950 students receives a book.
Volunteers are in several different locations across campus collecting change with blue water-cooler bottles.
“We just try to look for opportunities to serve any way we can,” said volunteer Adam McGrath, a sophomore in metallurgical engineering.
Two years ago, $6,000 was raised to build a schoolhouse in Kenya. Last year’s fund-raiser was even more profitable, raising $10,000 for a new playground at a West Valley elementary school.
“There are a lot of people out in the world that are less fortunate than I am,” said Rob Theurer, a sophomore in hotel management. “This is a way to give back to the community.”
Snow Springs Elementary students are not the only ones who will benefit from this year’s fund-raiser.
“Anything we raise above and beyond the $3,500 is going to be given to Rock the U,” said senior Josh Leavitt, a biochemistry major.
Rock the U is a student-organized 26.2-hour dance marathon that will take place March 15. All proceeds raised by Rock the U will be donated to the Huntsman Cancer Foundation.
As part of Sigma Gamma Chi Week, the LDS Institute of Religion will hold its last lecture series in the Union’s Saltair Room today from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Among the speakers will be Huntsman Cancer Foundation President Robert Haight.
Activities will be held throughout the week. All students are invited to watch the Utah vs. Air Force men’s basketball game and enjoy free pizza and drinks Wednesday at 8 p.m. at the LDS Institute of Religion.
For a complete list of Sigma Gamma Chi Week events, visit the institute Web site at www.lds.org/institutes.