The UMaine Mall serves as a vibrant hub for student organization events year round. Whether viewing the mall from the library or looking toward the Memorial Gym, events like Aoii’s ‘Smoke Out Arthritis' fundraiser provide students with the chance to connect with their community and find purpose in this beautiful campus space. Description: Aoii sorority sisters smiling behind the grill, with the Fogler Library and bright yellow trees in the background. Photo by Faith Marie Small Photo Story: Sorority Fall Fundraiser By Faith Marie Small on October 11, 2024 Alpha Omicron Pi has a direct partnership with the Arthritis Foundation. They mainly focus on helping spread awareness and funding research for juvenile arthritis. Description: Banner reading, “Alpha Omicron Pi goes blue because kids get arthritis too.” There are various blue handprints circling the words. As a way to connect students to the “Smoke Out Arthritis” event, Alpha Omicron Pi (Aoii) included a sign listing various answers to “What does philanthropy mean to you?” Some examples of answers were: “radiating epic energy,” “giving back,” “bringing a community together,” and “sharing the love.” Description: Fundraising table with raffle tickets, prize bags, panda head mask, and sign reading, “What does philanthropy mean to you?” Offering multiple ways to donate ensures that everyone can contribute in a way that’s most convenient and meaningful to them, making it easier to support the causes they care about. Aoii enhanced community participation by hosting a dessert table, which was a big hit with students and staff, even for those who opted to skip the BBQ. Description: Student purchasing dessert at fundraising table. Nothing more classic of a BBQ than hotdogs on a grill! In this image, Alpha Omicron Pi is “smoking out arthritis” while also serving our community directly. Description: Photo of sorority cooking hotdogs on a portable grill for a contributor. In addition to selling hotdogs and burgers, Aoii hosted a bake sale at their BBQ. Some featured desserts were homemade cinnamon buns, pumpkin pie, halloween themed cookies, and lavender-berry scones. Description: Various desserts plated on a fundraising table. These cinnamon buns were some of the homemade desserts available at the fundraiser! Each serving of dessert was available for $2. Description: Hands serving a cinnamon bun on a plate. Various options were available for these fundraiser participants. People had the option to buy raffle tickets for gift card prizes, desserts, burgers, hotdogs, or the $8 make your own meal deal, which included a burger or hotdog as well as a dessert and tickets. Description: Photo of student contributing to fundraiser for BBQ meal. One fundraising strategy these girls employed was selling raffle tickets with various prize bags supporting local businesses such as Tacorita and Aroma Joe’s. Description: Brown paper prize bags and raffle tickets on a blue table. One bag reads, “Tacorita: $25 gift card.” Thanks to community contributions, AOII raised $1,187 for the Juvenile Arthritis Foundation during this fundraiser. While students may have felt they were simply buying a meal, their donations are making a much bigger impact. Description: Student fundraising contributors enjoying food at the BBQ. If you're interested in learning more about the statistics and details behind arthritis and juvenile arthritis, in particular, visit arthritis.org/advocacy for additional information. Students surrounding the fundraising table, in front of the raffle tickets, baked goods, and grill. Published in Multimedia Faith Marie Small More posts from Faith Marie Small More from MultimediaMore posts in Multimedia »Women’s soccer wins America East Championship, securing a spot in the NCAA TournamentThe UMaine Mall serves as a vibrant hub for student organization events year round. Whether viewing the mall from the library or looking toward the Memorial Gym, events like Aoii’s ‘Smoke Out Arthritis' fundraiser provide students with the chance to connect with their community and find purpose in this beautiful campus space. Description: Aoii sorority sisters smiling behind the grill, with the Fogler Library and bright yellow trees in the background. Photo by Faith Marie SmallWomen’s soccer wins America East Championship, securing a spot in the NCAA TournamentMen’s hockey battles Boston University in home doubleheaderFormer UMaine Baseball star Jeremiah Jenkins now playing professionallyPhoto Story: Culturefest 2024The UMaine Mall serves as a vibrant hub for student organization events year round. Whether viewing the mall from the library or looking toward the Memorial Gym, events like Aoii’s ‘Smoke Out Arthritis' fundraiser provide students with the chance to connect with their community and find purpose in this beautiful campus space. Description: Aoii sorority sisters smiling behind the grill, with the Fogler Library and bright yellow trees in the background. Photo by Faith Marie SmallPhoto Story: Culturefest 2024Photo Story: UMaine March Against Domestic ViolenceThe UMaine Mall serves as a vibrant hub for student organization events year round. Whether viewing the mall from the library or looking toward the Memorial Gym, events like Aoii’s ‘Smoke Out Arthritis' fundraiser provide students with the chance to connect with their community and find purpose in this beautiful campus space. Description: Aoii sorority sisters smiling behind the grill, with the Fogler Library and bright yellow trees in the background. Photo by Faith Marie SmallPhoto Story: UMaine March Against Domestic Violence