HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) – One fraternity raised money Saturday to help a school that’s dedicated to helping children with language disorders.
At at the University of Southern Mississippi’s Spirit Park, the Epsilon Upsilon chapter of Alpha Tau Omega held its 40th annual crawfish boil.
The boil is held every year to support a local organization, and for the second year in a row, the proceeds from the boil are going to The DuBard School for Language Disorders.
It was a no-brainer for the brothers of the fraternity.
“We had two guys in our chapter that were in the Speech, Language, and Pathology Department, and they noticed that the kids in The DuBard School have a really special story,” said Jackson Kennedy, ATO’s Board of Trustees chapter advisor.
Last year, ATO raised $17,000 for The DuBard School. This year, the fraternity raised over $23,000.
“Being able to tour and see the direct work that The DuBard School has on all of the children they serve, it was a huge eye-opener,” said Nate Kennedy, Epsilon Upsilon chapter ATO president. “It made me realize how truly important and special this school is.”
The staff at The DuBard School said they were grateful for ATO’s help and contribution.
“We’re nestled in the middle of this amazing college campus and it’s these college organizations like Alpha Tau Omega that can come support us, help us raise money to support our children, but also bring us to the forefront with the community,” said Christopher Pellecchia, The DuBard School Outreach and Development manager.
The brothers of ATO have been planning this event since December. They say it was amazing getting to see the final product and outcome.
“Seeing it all come together, all the smiles going across people’s faces, a lot of money raised for a good cause, is always a good feeling,” said Kaleb Boler, the ATO vice president of the Epsilon Upsilon chapter.
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