Sigma Alpha Epsilon and Chi Omega teamed up together on Thursday
to plan an evening of Easter-themed festivities for the children of
the East Los Angeles Boys and Girls Club.
The two Greek groups prepared a variety of activities and
workshops with the dual purpose of giving underprivileged children
the opportunity to have fun away from home and experience a college
atmosphere.
“We just want to throw a fun Easter party for the kids
““ as well as to expose them to a university setting,”
said Jeff Ososky, SAE philanthropy chairman and second-year
psychology student.
Activity stations with face painting, egg decorating and arts
and crafts, as well as an outdoor bouncehouse were virtually
attacked by children when they arrived. An Easter egg hunt was also
planned for later in the evening, along with guest speaker Berky
Nelson, director of the Center for Student Planning.
Members of SAE have planned this event since last quarter and
were enthusiastic about it.
“I hope the kids walk away with a gained
experience,” said Michael Wong, a second-year sociology
student. “It’s an opportunity out of their (normal)
daily life.”
SAE has also participated in previous events with the Boys and
Girls Club this past year.
In spring quarter, they went snow sledding with the kids at Big
Bear. For fall quarter, there was a Thanksgiving celebration,
similar to Thursday’s event. They teamed up with Chi Omega
two weeks ago to plan the events together and pool their
resources.
“I just want (the kids) to have a blast and to gain an
appreciation of the college experience,” said Rebekah Lipsky,
philanthropy chairwoman of Chi Omega and a second-year
communications studies and French student.
Anna Araujo, executive director of the East L.A. chapter of the
Boys and Girls Club, also said she was excited about the
night’s festivities.
“I think it’s good for the kids, since they can see
that (college) is something that’s possible for them,”
she said.
With the arrival of 28 children, the SAE house was transformed
into a festive arena. Children were running around, getting faces
painted, chasing after balloons, and painting and dyeing eggs.
“I’m happy to be here. I like the house. It’s
big and the people are really nice here,” said Diana Ramos,
10, a Boys and Girls Club member.
Chi Omega’s Laurel Turbin, a third-year English student
stressed the importance of philanthropy.
“I think it’s great for the Greek community to reach
out to the greater L.A. community,” she said.
“It’s important for us to set an example.”