By Kendrick Jackson, Advertising Manager
Phi Delta Theta W. Va. Gamma fraternity of WLU will host its second consecutive Black Tie event Saturday, April 14, at G-Top in support of their philanthropy, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). This year’s event will be in benefit of Donnie Finsley.
“Donnie Finsley is an extraordinary person who has been diagnosed with ALS,” said Hayden Blazer, a brother of Phi Delta Theta. “Donnie is an inspiration to us all and has kept such a positive attitude through the whole process.”
The national fraternity began its fight against ALS after the death of New York Yankee great, Lou Gehrig, also a member of Phi Delta Theta. Gehrig was diagnosed on his 36th birthday with ALS, which causes extreme muscle weakness.
W. Va. Gamma held its first ever Black Tie event last spring on March 24. With over 200 guests in attendance, Phi Delta Theta raised over $1,500 that was split between the ALS Association and the Nardone family, a local family who was affected by the disease. Unlike last year’s event, all proceeds will go towards benefiting Finsley and his family.
Tickets are $25 for guests planning on arriving at 7 p.m. with food being served from 7-8 p.m. For those arriving later at 9 p.m., tickets will lower to $20, but food will not be included in your purchase. Regardless on which option you choose, all guests who purchase a ticket will receive two free drinks sponsored by G-Top.
Blazer assisted Jacob Gray, Phi Delta Theta’s Philanthropy Chair and the coordinator for last year’s Black-Tie event, in this year’s event. “The Black Tie event was started to help those who struggle with ALS,” said Blazer. “This is our way to help our community.”
Phi Delta Theta has been accepting ticket purchases and donations all week long and the fraternity will continue to do so until the day of. Tickets will be sold at the door and donations will be collected throughout the night. Payment or donation options are cash, check or online via Venmo.
The event will run from 7 p.m. to close. There will be a DJ, 50/50 raffle, and a Phi Delta Theta ALS backdrop for photos.
For more about Phi Delta Theta and their efforts towards ALS, please visit www.phideltatheta.org.
Photo provided by Phi Delta Theta
