Chapter kicks off 3rd Annual Run & Ride to benefit the Oxford Free Clinic

The undergraduate members of the Theta-Upsilon Chapter are kicking off the first week of the Fall Semester with a major statement aligned with Kappa Sigma's Service Pillar and are seeking the help of alumni to make sure they reach their fundraising goal!  

Now in its third year the Worldwide Run & Ride benefits Oxford residents served by the Oxford Free Clinic who provides medical care and medicine for those that can't afford it. 

The annual event began in the Summer of 2020 as a COVID compliant philanthropy event with a handful of Interest Group members and members from several other Kappa Sigma Chapters in Southern Ohio. Participants pledged to ride bikes, walk or run and most importantly gather donations!

Because one of the organizers, Fernando Romero, who now services as the Chapter's Grand Procurator (vice president) was at home in Spain when the event took place, the group added "Worldwide" to describe the event. The event raised over $1,600 in its first year!  

Last summer with the Kappa Sigma colony of 29 members the event remained dispersed worldwide with a members participating all over the US and Europe including one running in the cooler temperatures of early morning in Greece! The 2021 event raised almost $6,000 showing real potential to make a major contribution to the community.       

"In the past, we have held this event virtually towards the end of the summer because of COVID concerns," said the Chapter's A Greater Cause Chairman, Charles "Chuck" Smith, a senior studying Biology and Pre-Medicine at Miami University.   

"This year is the first year we will be holding the event in person. We are looking forward to not only being with our fraternity brothers for the Run/Ride, but also celebrating with OFC volunteers, staff, and others from the community that support the OFC after the Run/Ride at the Chapter House!"

In addition to his studies, Chuck works at Oxford Priority Care as a Medical Assistant, and is a Combat Medic in the Ohio Army National Guard. He has also volunteered as a volunteer firefighter/EMT, the Salvation Army, and helping a a homeless shelter in his hometown of Monticello, Illinois. After graduation, he plans on taking a year off and then applying to Medical School. 

A key goal of the event is to raise as much money from outside of the Oxford community where Miami University is located. Chapter Grand Master (president), Emmett Jones has said that the Chapter hopes to really distinguish itself on campus and within the Greek System at Miami through service to the local community and in general and hopes to recruit additional members that share these values.  

"We have set a goal of $300 per brother this year, which would put us well above a $10,000 total donation," Chuck said, "This would constitute a large percentage of the total donations they receive per year." 

"Marilyn Sasser, Executive Director of the OFC really impressed me with the passion she shows for what she does," Chuck said, "I personally have interacted with many nonprofits and some of them don’t care as deeply about the cause as deeply as does Marilyn. She is the only paid employee (part-time) of the OFC... but she puts in full-time levels of work to ensure the clinic runs smoothly." 

To reach their fundraising goals, the A Greater Cause Committee is hoping many alumni will join the Chapter in this effort and make a contribution. Donations can be made on the GoFundMe website and attribute the donations to specific undergraduate to help with his goal of $300.  

This will be just the start of the semester's efforts. The Chapter will also be organizing a way to recognize Frist Responders on September 11 and beginning to plan an event for the Kappa Sigma Military Heroes Campaign likely to occur later in the Fall Semester.