Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity Donates $10,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas

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A social-distanced check presentation.

Members of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity at the University of Arkansas raised $10,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas this year. The fraternity presented the check to staff at Big Brothers Big Sisters last week and spoke about ways to partner going forward.

"This generous donation comes at a critical time for Big Brothers Big Sisters," said Rose Ramirez, program director for Big Brothers Big Sisters. "We have had to make drastic changes to our programming due to COVID-19 and are so grateful to have the support of Sig Ep and our community to get us through this tough time. Thanks to Sig Ep for stepping up. Their support of mentoring allows us to continue to provide the connection kids need with their mentors."

Ramirez noted that Greek Life has been an incredibly important part of the mentoring services BBBSNWA offers. Local fraternities and sororities contribute in many ways from volunteering as mentors, to interning at BBBSNWA, to organizing percentage nights or assisting in fundraising events.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of American and Sig Ep have a longstanding partnership. Big Brothers Big Sisters is the nationally recognized philanthropy of the fraternity.

Robert Perez Williams, the newly elected philanthropy chair for Sig Ep, said, "The Sig Ep Arkansas Alpha chapter is committed to helping to continue this great partnership whether big or small, to make an impact in the lives of others. This organization allows us to build stronger kids which build a stronger community in the future."

"We are proud of Sigma Phi Epsilon for contributing their time and other resources to help during this COVID-19 pandemic. UA Greek Life loves to serve our local community and beyond, "stated Parice Bowser, director of Greek Life. 

Big Brothers Big Sisters focuses on a child's potential, and the role adults have to help children achieve their best possible futures. The organization's mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth, and to defend the potential of every child.

For more information on how to support mentoring in the NWA, visit www.bbbsnwa.org or email Enrollment@bbbsnwa.org.