By: KASSANDRA THOMAS
(Gainesville, Ga.)- Alpha Chi Omega is hosting Dodging Domestic Violence, a community-wide dodgeball tournament fundraiser for domestic violence awareness, on Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. in Brenau University’s Gymnasium.
The dodgeball tournament is open to the community. Teams will consist of five players and co-ed members are permitted.
The registration fee is $25 per team. Registration deadline is Nov. 10.
All proceeds go to the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation and the local Gateway Domestic Violence Center, which works to empower victims of domestic violence.
“Domestic violence is a very real and serious thing that affects more people than you think,” said Taylor Mays, philanthropy chair of Alpha Chi Omega.
The overall goal of the dodgeball tournament is to raise awareness and donations.
“We initially chose to do this event because it has the potential to bring all kinds of people together from our community,” said Mays.
The girls of Alpha Chi Omega are making it easy for all members of the community to become aware. Don’t want to participate? Admission for non-competitors is free!
“The more people that can afford to attend a fundraising/awareness event, the better. We want to reach as many as possible,” said Mays.
This event is the first large-scale fundraiser Alpha Chi Omega has hosted for the community.
Every October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Alpha Chi Omega hosts “Take Back the Night.” The night consists of testimonials from victims of domestic violence, informational videos and speeches, interactive service activities, a candlelight vigil and refreshments. It was once the most attended event on campus.
In addition to “Take Back the Night,” the sorority has hosted art auctions as fundraisers. The first, in 2010, raised around $7,000. The following art auction was not as successful.
“In the past we’ve stuck to the same kind of philanthropy event, and we’ve really been looking forward to expanding our chapter’s philanthropy fundraising,” said Alyssa Walawender, senior and President of Alpha Chi Omega.
Thus, the sorority has high hopes that this year’s inaugural Dodge Domestic Violence dodgeball tournament will serve as a new fun, large-scale event that the whole community can participate in.
“It is important that the whole community participate because of the shocking statistics related to domestic violence,” said Walawender.
According to the Bureau of Justice, one in four women will experience domestic violence during her lifetime.
Furthermore, every year, more than 3 million children witness domestic violence in their homes.
These statistics are why members of Alpha Chi Omega are so passionate about raising awareness.
To get involved, the girls of Alpha Chi Omega make efforts to volunteer and make donations to Gateway Domestic Violence Center and its affiliated thrift stores throughout the year.
Formed in 1982, Gateway Domestic Violence Center’s mission is to create an environment for safe, healthy, self-sufficient growth and violence prevention. The center offers free and confidential services such as emergency shelter for victims, classes and support groups for women and programs for children affected by domestic violence.
Gateway accepts donations through their website and affiliated thrift stores in Gainesville. All donations are tax deductible. To get involved or for more information, visit Gateway’s website.
In addition to donations and volunteer work, all members and organizations of the community are highly encouraged to form a team and get involved in the tournament to raise money for the women and children being sheltered at Gateway.
To register a team, fill out this form and/or contact Taylor Mays.
Questions and dodgeball team registration inquiries can be directed to ude.uanerb.regit@1syamt or (770) 912-9520.
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