By Christina Oddo
Writer
IFC and Panhellenic hosted Wingfest as part of “Go Greek Week” on Wednesday evening in Larison Dining Hall. This event supported the Million Penny Project, benefiting the 2012-recipient, The Hand-UP Foundation of Milton. Students ate wings donated by Bucknell’s fraternities, as well as wings donated by local eateries. Participants also voted for their favorite wing.
The Million Penny Project (MPP) is an initiative of the Panhellenic Council and IFC that has the goal of raising $10,000 (a million pennies) to benefit one particular nonprofit service organization in the community each year. Stephanie Thomas ‘13 of Panhellenic and Nick Pistone ’14 of IFC selected Hand-UP from a group of six nonprofits that were considered to be MPP recipients.
“We visited all six of them to learn about who they are and what they stand for and get a sense of their vision. They were all great organizations and it was a difficult decision, but we chose Hand-UP. We really wanted to promote their philosophy of a hand up rather than a handout,” Pistone said.
With the money raised from MPP, Hand-UP intends to build a Crisis Shelter.
“MPP is important to us and this year we really want it to be more than just a $10,000 check. We want to partner with Hand-UP and spread the word about what they do and the people they help in Milton,” Pistone said.
The Hand-UP Foundation is a faith-based, non-profit organization based in Milton, Pennsylvania. This foundation has helped families and individuals in the community overcome crisis situations since 2003. Hope, encouragement and support are offered through Hand-UP. Those helped are expected to volunteer to give back to the community and to the organization. Hand-UP provides clothing, food, vehicles, counseling, homes, and financial assistance to those in need.
“Their goal is to empower the poor to live better lives for themselves,” Pistone said. “Our goal is to spread that message, as well as highlight Hand-UP for all the good they do in the community.”
Students can further help this initiatve by donating directly to MPP through Penhellenic or IFC at events like Wing Fest, Greek Iron Chef, or the Zombie Walk. Also, students may want to consider volunteering with Hand-Up. Those who want to volunteer can visit handupfoundation.org or call Hand-Up at (570) 742-3000.