Despite the darkness of the issue of child abuse, one sorority decided to raise its awareness in a more fun and light-hearted way.
For the first time at Bradley, Sigma Delta Tau will host Hands are for Holding Mini Parade and Carnival for children from 4 to 6:30 p.m. April 24 on the Alumni Quad.
The event was created to raise awareness and funds for Prevent Child Abuse America (PCAA), and it will feature games and the opportunity for other organizations to join in as well.
Junior and Event Coordinator Ellie Silver said Sigma Delta Tau’s philanthropy efforts need some renovating.
“I am delighted and honored to be a key player in something that will hopefully take off and become known as one of the Sigma Delta Tau’s major events,” she said.
The idea for the event was inspired by a speaker presentation from a PCAA Illinois representative, who spoke about an event called Hands are for Holding, Silver said.
“It is all about the kids,” Silver said. “This seemed like an event that would be awesome to bring to campus and get many organizations involved in creating a meaningful experience for local children.”
Junior and Event Coordinator Laura Vecchetti said that the chance to help plan the carnival has been a great experience.
“We raise money for PCAA, but it is not often that we get to see the children that we are actually helping,” she said. “It is also heartwarming to see other Bradley organizations come together to help with our event.”
Sigma Delta Tau’s funds supply games and prizes for the event. Other organizations are welcomed to support and watch the children parade around the alumni quad, even if they have not financially funded or volunteered for the event.
Vecchetti said she hopes that participants leave the event with a better education and awareness of child abuse.
“Even though we are raising awareness for a serious topic, I hope people have fun at the event and take away a memorable lesson,” she said.
