Steps For Service

Fear, loss, and tragedy are just a few words to describe the feelings on that fateful day. That day was September 11, 2001. When the towers fell, approximately 2,700 died in the two towers with around 1,700 deaths in the North Tower and 1,000 from the South Tower. These numbers represent the civilians, first responders, and many others who were present at the scene. Along with this number, 6,000 more people were injured. The impact of this attack cannot be understated.

  Philanthropy is defined as good will towards others by such acts as donating time, money, and/or resources to help people in need and to promote human welfare. Philanthropies are very important to the structure of Greek life and events that Phi Delta Theta hosts are built to support the “Live Like Lou” Foundation financially helps out families that are struggling with a family member who has Lou Gehrig's Disease. The philanthropy event that Phi Delta Theta is running this fall semester is called “Steps For Service”. This philanthropy is to honor the firefighters who climbed 2,200 steps which were 110 flights of stairs to help save as many lives as they could. This philanthropy is aimed at all members of the general student body involved as the event is open to everyone who can come and would like to show up. All proceeds from this event will go to the “Live Like Lou” Foundation and to the Bryan Williams Legacy Scholarship. The Bryan Williams Legacy Scholarship was an award that was created in memory of the Delaware and Marion County firefighter, for the purpose of supporting individuals that plan on seeking a career in public service.

In an interview with Magnus Brekke, who is coordinating the event he said “I wanted to have this event to show remembrance for the ones we lost on such a tragic day, and to allow others to see how meaningful service and community can be when brought together.” Reid Hall, a member of another fraternity on campus was asked what he thought about the event and he said “I think that it’s a good idea for a charity event and it’s a good way to honor the people lost on 9/11.” Pete Simon, a firefighter bravely serving in Ohio was asked what his thoughts were on that day and he said “Those firefighters were absolute heroes that risked their lives to save others. I truly look up to them.”

There will be different raffle prizes at the event such as gift cards to different locations around the Delaware area. In addition to the raffles at the event, there will also be raffles to win prizes such as a big-screen television or a Bishop Backers basket with season sports passes and assorted Ohio Wesleyan University gear. At the football game, a group of local first responders will be recognized as honorary captains of the game to thank them for their service in the community.

The event as stated prior is open to everyone, so if you can attend please show up to truly “never forget” this national tragedy. This event will take place at Selby Stadium at 9 a.m. Sept 12.