Performing for a Purpose — Finest TAU Raises Funds for Village of Hope
SALISBURY, Md. — Alpha Sigma Tau raised $7,124.56 for Village of Hope through its annual Finest TAU philanthropy event, bringing Salisbury University organizations together for a night of talent, competition and community support.
AST hosted its Finest TAU event, featuring a talent show-style competition in which contestants from five campus organizations showcased their abilities through singing, dancing and playing musical instruments.
Finest TAU is one of Alpha Sigma Tau’s annual philanthropy events, allowing students across campus to participate in a friendly competition while supporting a local cause.
To the chapter, the event represents more than fundraising. It provides an opportunity for members to work together and make a difference in the community.
“Finest Tau means so much more than just a fundraising event and it is truly something special for all of us,” Director of Fundraising Madyson Weber said. “It represents the power of our sisterhood and all coming together to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”
The event supports Village of Hope, a Salisbury-based organization that provides transitional housing to women and families experiencing housing and financial instability.
Alpha Sigma Tau chose Village of Hope as its philanthropy this year because of its connection to the local community and the challenges the organization works to address.
“This year we chose VOH as it is one of our local philanthropies that we like to work with,” Vice President of Community Relations Julia Sipes said. “Every sister and our chapter could relate in some capacity to their work, whether it's an issue that's impacted them and their family, or impacted a loved one.”
The money raised through Finest TAU will help Village of Hope continue providing resources and opportunities for women and families working toward greater independence and stability. These services include furnished transitional apartments, educational opportunities, job training, workforce development, life skills programs and access to mental and physical health care.
This year's event included more than the talent show. Contestants also participated in Flock Feud, a trivia-style competition featuring questions about Alpha Sigma Tau. During the show, contestants shared stories about women who had made an impact on their lives. The chapter also invited Village of Hope's president to speak about the organization's mission.
The work behind Finest TAU began months before the event. Planning included contacting campus organizations, recruiting contestants, assigning chapter members to coach participants, organizing rehearsals, preparing the show and coordinating decorations, music and equipment.
Sipes also organized fundraising tables throughout the week leading up to the event, creating daily themes and activities to encourage students to donate and learn more about the cause.
Beyond the show, the chapter promoted its fundraising efforts through social media, online donations and Penny Wars, a friendly fundraising competition. These opportunities allowed students to contribute even if they did not participate in the talent show.
This year, Alpha Sigma Tau collected $7,124.56 through ticket sales, online donations, Penny Wars and its weeklong activities. This year's event broke the chapter's previous fundraising records on all levels.
For Weber, seeing the final total made the months of preparation worthwhile.
“Seeing $7,124.56 on my computer screen and knowing we had broken previous fundraising records brought an overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment," Weber said. After months of planning, hard work, and dedication, that was the moment everything came full circle and when we realized our chapter and our contestants just did that."
"More than anything, knowing that the money we raised would make a meaningful difference in the lives of women and families within our local community was the most rewarding feeling of all," Weber said.
As Finest TAU continues to bring Salisbury University students together, Alpha Sigma Tau hopes the event encourages the campus community to become more involved in philanthropy and recognize the positive impact they can make when coming together.
"While Finest Tau is a fun and exciting event that brings different organizations together, I hope students leave with a greater understanding of the purpose behind it and the meaningful difference their involvement can make in the lives of others," Weber said.
By: NICOLE MILLER
Managing Editor
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