Sig Ep to host annual philanthropy week

Amanda Young

Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity hopes to show off their heart this Valentine’s Day, while also raising money for their philanthropy.

Proceeds raised from the fifth-annual Sweets Week events will be donated to the organization’s philanthropy, YouthAIDS.

“YouthAIDS is an organization that helps people around the world deal with AIDS at a young age,” said Sig Ep Vice President of Programming Sam Kissinger. “They will give them medical attention if they need it. It’s a great program. We all support it.”

The fraternity will kick off the week on Wednesday with a Queen of Hearts pageant. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. at the Downing University Center Auditorium and the price will be $3 for all Greek affiliates and $5 for anyone else who would like to attend.

The participants will compete in three areas — letter wear, formal wear and talent.

On Friday, the organization heads to the Blue Dome for a mechanical bull riding contest at 8 p.m.

Those who want to attend are encouraged to be there an hour early for a performance by a local band, The Barren River Trio. The trio is a folk-style band that formed in Bowling Green last year and recently released its first album “American Folk.”

Along with their events, the organization will also be offering chances to win several prizes.

“We will also be selling raffle tickets at a separate table at the pageant,” Kissinger said. “Those tickets will be for a $100 Visa card.”

Anyone may buy as many tickets as they want for $1 each. The winners will be announced on Friday before the bull riding.

Sponsors have also donated prizes for Sig Ep to give away during the week.

“Griffs and Mancino’s are giving out gift baskets with gift cards and beer cozies,” Kissinger said. “They will be full of stuff.

“We have a bunch of new stuff this year. We want to get as many people out as we can.”