Cuddling for Charity

Man’s best friend held true Wednesday as the Lambda Chi chapter of Sigma Chi welcomed two furry friends on campus to support “Derby Dogs,” their philanthropy event for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. Two lovable dogs offered comfort in UWM’s Fireside Lounge for students struggling with finals stress.

Why were these loveable puppies on campus? The 6-year-old Sharpei- Beagle mix named Minka and a 4-and-a-half-year-old Newfoundland named Fergus, represented Health Heelers, a therapy organization that specializes in creating a therapeutic environment for those needing affection and support. Sigma Chi saw how rare sightings of dogs on campus seemed to excite and calm students and, with that, decided to bring the dogs to the source. With this event, Sigma Chi took donations, and proceeds went directly to the Huntsman Cancer Foundation, their philanthropy. Casey Mullins, the Derby Days chair, says not only is this event fun, but the group also has much more in store.

“Every year we have two big events for our philanthropy,” Mullins said. “We started Derby Dogs three years ago and we also have our Derby Day car smash where we bring a car into Spaights and take donations for students to smash it.”

Mullins added that the fraternity also does Blaze fundraisers, where students bring in a flyer to the Blaze pizza restaurant on Oakland Avenue and a certain percentage goes towards their philanthropy. An event coming up in May is a wine tasting off campus where more donations are anticipated. Over $1.5 million was raised last year for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation through all national chapters of Sigma Chi, according to Mullins. Use AP style

“It’s cool to be even a small part of contributing to that,” Mullins said.

All Greek organizations on campus are required to have a certain philanthropy. The Huntsman Cancer Foundation, Sigma Chi’s charity, is a non-profit charity that has dedicated it’s time to fundraising for the Huntsman Cancer Institute. The HCI tried to find cures for all kinds of cancers and offers support for those suffering from it. However, the HCF was not the only charity being represented at the Derby Dogs event.

Members of all Greek organizations appeared at the event to show their own support. Julie Tierno, a member of Alpha Omicron Pi, said supporting other organizations is key to making sure Greek life stays alive on campus.

“Giving back and raising money for a good cause makes Greek life look great on campus,” Tierno said. “We’re trying to make philanthropy bigger and come up with more events so people don’t get bored.”

Tierno has been a member of the Greek community for almost two years and says she will continue to attend events on campus and off.

Fergus and Minka, the two dogs who offered their bellies to be rubbed, came from Health Heelers. Health Heelers uses the help of therapy dogs to bring joy and comfort to individuals in Southeast Wisconsin. Kathy Baily, Minka’s handler, and Hope Erickson, Fergus’ handler, both work part time for Health Heelers and love to see how their dogs bring joy to everyone.

“We’ve been doing this for three years now,” Baily said, while Minka climbed into her lap. “It’s definitely harder on me that it is on her. She doesn’t have to really see all what goes on in people’s lives after she offers her kisses and her love.”

Baily described how hard her job can be. When traveling to nursing homes and brain injury patients, she can see just how much petting a dog can help the morale of a person. That’s why she continues coming to events such as Derby Dogs.

Erickson says her big ball of fur has offered his services for two years.

“I love him so much,” she said. “If I can love him this much, why shouldn’t I share him with others?”

Erickson continued with a breathtaking story on how much Fergus’s slobbery face can affect even the smallest of people. An instance on the inpatient floor of a hospital led her to see this. A young girl, who had special needs and whom Erickson could tell was having a rough time, saw Fergus.

“She walked right up to him and he almost immediately calmed her from tears to smiles,” Erickson said. “It was amazing to see how much of an effect he had on her.”

Dog tired from a day of cuddles and kisses, about 50 people in total attended the event. All proceeds will continue to be counted. Mullins urges students to attend their annual Derby Days Car Smash next Monday where all proceeds again will be donated to HCA.