Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi) is beginning preparation for its biennial fundraiser that has set and broken the record for a single fraternity or sorority philanthropy event multiple times.
From April 20 to 22, 2023, Sam Shellist, a senior in AEPi at the University of Missouri, will sit down in a rocking chair for 63 hours in downtown Columbia, Missouri, with the goal of raising $200,000 for the American Cancer Society. That money will come in the form of donations from events, sponsorships and money collected through canning.
In 2021, the chapter raised over $180,000, crushing the record previously set in 2017. This event also set the world record for a single chapter fraternity or sorority philanthropy event. Since the event was first held in Columbia in 1969, the chapter has raised over $1.2 million for the March of Dimes and the American Cancer Society. Supporters may donate at the Rock-A-Thon’s website.
Former AEPi president and Rock-a-Thon Co-Chair Josh Thorpe emphasizes how important a passionate brotherhood is to making this event possible.
“Sadly, every brother of AEPi has a connection to cancer,” Thorpe said. “With over 100 members in our organization, we have the manpower and commitment to make this Rock-A-Thon a special one.”
AEPi is a multinational Jewish college fraternity, operating chapters on more than 175 college campuses in seven countries.