Greek Life creates 5k race to honor deceased member
Delta Gamma recently teamed up with Phi Delta Theta for the Anchor’s Aweigh 5K to raise money for its new scholarship in honor of their late sister Ali Fuhrman.
The 5K will take place on May 8 at 9:00 a.m. at 800 East Summit Street to gain support of the scholarship.
Both Greek organizations are hoping to raise awareness to the effects and consequences of drunk driving.
“We choose to do a 5K so we could raise money for our sister, Ali Fuhrman, who passed away over this past Christmas break from a car accident,” said Abigail Pilgram, Delta Gamma member and senior fashion merchandising major.
Keri Richmond, director of internal philanthropy for Delta Gamma, Abigail Pilgram and Patrick Feldkamp, the internal philanthropy chair for Phi Delta Theta, are co-directors for the Anchors Aweigh 5K.
Phi Delta Theta joined with Delta Gamma because as a Greek family, they believe they should all be there for one another when tragedy strikes and lend a helping hand, according to Feldkamp.
“My fraternity was in the same situation in the 90s when we lost one of brothers Jim Reynoldson,” said Feldkamp. He was hit by a drunk driver and that is why my fraternity put in place a sober driving for the weekends called Brothers against drunk driving.”
Both Greek organizations believe a 5K is the best option as a fundraiser because students and people of all ages can participate in raising money for the scholarship.
“The scholarship will be issued next year, (and) depending on how much money we raise, we hope to make it an endowed scholarship and keep it recurring every year,” said Pilgram. “All Kent State greek students will be able to apply for this scholarship as well.”
According to Richmond, Delta Gamma hopes to raise over $25,000 for the scholarship so it can be given annually.
Delta Gamma and Phi Delta Theta will be hosting other fundraisers leading up to the 5K. April 20 is the Fresco fundraiser from 5 – 9 p.m and April 23 will serve as a cookout with Phi Delta Theta at 1:30 p.m.
“We are all excited to work with Delta Gamma and raise money for a great cause and a great girl who was taken from us too soon,” Feldkamp said.
Gabby Lavere is a reporter for The Kent State, contact her at [email protected].