Fraternity gets the ball rolling for charity

If you happened to stroll by the Student Union this week, you may have noticed a 6-foot ball loitering about the cobble stones with people soliciting thousands of signatures.

The fall semester kicked off the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity's annual "Get On The Ball Philanthropy." This event supports the Children's Miracle Network: a nonprofit organization that raises funds for children's hospitals.

The proceeds raised go directly to Shands Children's Hospital and Arnold Palmer Medical Center.

The concept behind the ball is simple: For each signature, local sponsors agree to donate money. Last year, ZBT exceeded its goal of 7,500 signatures. By Wednesday of this week, ZBT had accounted for 5,000 autographs and was still going strong.

The final tally has not yet been announced; however, this year's goal was set at a whopping 10,000.

"I thought it was a terrific show," Layne Davidson, development coordinator for the Children's Miracle Network, said. "People were buying balloons, raffle tickets and donating cash. Students had such generosity."

ZBT has organized and executed this event for several years, but this year was unique. The fraternity chose to hold the event earlier so new students could get involved and get acquainted with the charity.

In addition to the ball outside of the Union, the fraternity also held a partial proceeds night at Huey Magoos. Students from the Greek system came out to support the cause and signed in for their respective organizations, ate food and donated to Children's Miracle Network.

Cathy Droke, director of the Greater Orlando Children's Miracle Network, supervises the funding. She makes sure that every penny goes toward the purchase of patient care equipment, pediatric necessities, new building facilities and specialty treatment centers.

Droke said the event was energetic and that people actually recognized the ball and appreciated the cause.

Each of the local sponsors agreed to donate 35 cents for each signature, and Droke admitted that she was surprised to witness people dipping into their pockets and handing over cash, too.

"This was the first year I was on campus for the event and actually interacted with the students," Droke said. "I think ZBT did a great job. They knew what they were talking about and really cared about the kids."

ZBT President Jonathan Balva is passionate about this year's event more than ever, as recently, the fraternity won a first-place award for Best Philanthropic Effort nationwide, as well as an award for the most improved chapter for Greek community involvement.

Balva assigned 10 people to man the ball each day by the Union, and each was required to take two shifts per week. Balva said he wanted an all-hands-on-deck approach.

The dedication ZBT showed to this event is obvious; they have managed 1,500 hours of charity and community participation this year.

"We've had so many signatures, it astounded me," Balva said. "Even the media coverage was great. Fox News was out filming, and that lets me know the message has gotten across, and so far, we are right on track."