Brothers and friends,
We hope each of you are doing well during this unique and unprecedented time facing our world.
As noted in communications from general fraternity leadership one week ago, Sigma Chi has taken the necessary steps, following recommendations from government officials, to do our part in preventing the spread of illness, planning for the unexpected while remaining steadfast and committed to the well-being of our members across the globe.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those who have been affected by this pandemic, and, in particular, the many undergraduate and graduate student brothers who have suffered a break of employment or been displaced from their campus residences due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
With that said, we know that this pandemic will create extraordinary challenges for many of our young brothers. Some of these outstanding young men, particularly those who rely on scholarship aid and/or wages from service industry employment, will be challenged to afford housing, transportation, basic needs and access to necessary resources for remote learning as necessary.
Since its inception following Hurricane Katrina, the Brothers Helping Brothers (formerly Strong Arms) fund has provided assistance to our young men in need. While this fund has historically provided scholarship support during a time of emergency, during this crisis, we will expand the availability of this fund to assisting with short-term housing and other burdens associated with dislocation.
While we receive requests for scholarship assistance from this fund on a regular basis, we are expecting this number to vastly increase due to the changes impacting the lives of our brothers on campuses across North America and we know that we cannot meet all needs that will exist, but we can be a part of the solution.
This afternoon, we secured matching funds with a goal of building $50,000 in immediate support for our brothers in need. Those of us who can provide an extra $5, $10, $25, $50 or more can make a difference today as we reach this goal.
We ask you to join us in making a contribution to this important fund.
We want to thank each of you for your continued support of Sigma Chi, and all you are doing to support your loved ones and communities as we face this unprecedented moment in our lifetimes. We will continue to keep you apprised of Sigma Chi’s efforts to support our Brothers.
In Hoc,
Ashley Woods, EAST TENNESSEE 2000
President and CEO, Sigma Chi Foundation
** — Note: Brothers that receive the Brothers Helping Brothers grant will still be eligible for general Sigma Chi Foundation undergraduate and graduate scholarship awards
