ASU students raise more than $70K for Ariz. community

Thousands of ASU students joined together for a week of philanthropy, March 29-April 6, to help end hunger, homelessness and assist children and families in the Valley. The launch of the first annual “Devils Unite Week of Philanthropy” raised more than $70,000 for the Valley of the Sun United Way.

During the week, more than 1,600 students came out to serve local agencies at the Devils in Disguise Day of Service event. In addition, 4,500 pounds of canned food was donated to benefit food banks; and students collected 1,300 books for local children during a literacy awareness event.

"I find it inspiring and exciting to be a part of the Sun Devils Unite and to see the hard work and dedication that our student body has demonstrated in fundraising, advocating and volunteering for the Valley of the Sun United Way," said Kelsey Nelson, ASU student and vice president of the student United Way at ASU. "I learned that we can all come together with what we have to make a substantial impact in changing lives and influencing our community. This is just another reason as to why I am proud to be a Sun Devil!"

The week culminated on April 6 at Greek Sing, the ASU fraternity and sorority community’s largest philanthropic event. With more than 2,000 attendees at Gammage Auditorium, fraternities and sororities teamed up to create, choreograph, direct and perform musicals while raising money and awareness for the Valley of the Sun United Way. Greek Sing started more than three decades ago and has become a staple of the Greek Week experience within the last 12 years.

Nancy Dean, senior vice president of Valley of the Sun United Way accepted a check at the event and emphasized how the students' contributions will help enrich both the ASU campuses and the communities that surround them.

“We are inspired by how Sun Devils have come together to fundraise for Valley of the Sun United Way," said Dean. "The dollars raised will impact thousands of our community members, and students’ efforts have also increased awareness of critical needs around children and youth, hunger and homelessness, and financial stability. We are thrilled with the accomplishments of the Sun Devils Unite movement, and we’re excited to watch this next generation of change makers and philanthropists grow.”