Fordham PhilRAMthropy

Fordham philanthropy – Fordham students for students!

In the true vision of men and women for others, Fordham students are committed to one another both on and off campus. Philanthropy is very much a large part of campus life, whether it is fundraising for scholarships or raising money for Global Outreach Trips. As a member of two philanthropic organizations, Fashion for Philanthropy and the Student Philanthropy Committee, as well as a former Fordham Annual Fund student-fundraiser, I can attest to this spirit of “giving back” on campus.

A picture of my friend on his Global Outreach trip in Mexico
which was funded by fellow classmates!

Flier of the different groups present at the
Student Philanthropy Fair

As an executive board representative of Fashion for Philanthropy, FFP, I had the chance to meet with other philanthropic groups on campus at the previous Philanthropy Fair. At the Fair, students held bake sales to raise money for their respective causes. Many students filtered in and out of the McGinley Center and stopped by the Fair to support their friends and the groups of which they were a part. I tabled for FFP in order to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. FFP is indicative of the philanthropic spirit on campus. Members raise money all year in support of our annual Fashion Show, whose proceeds directly profit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. For example, throughout the year we will hold bake sales and food deliveries which are funded by fellow classmates. An example of another philanthropic organization on campus that was present at the Fair was the B+ Foundation, an organization where "kids help kids fight cancer." It is chapters like these that bring students together in the spirit of helping others and the community at large.

The Fair was a success on two levels – on a surface value, it helped raise money and awareness about different charitable causes; on a deeper level, the Fair exemplifies Fordham student’s commitment to one another.

FFP Table at the Fair!

Another example of on-campus philanthropy is the Student Philanthropy Committee, SPC, which seeks to work with other groups and departments on campus to help fundraise with the Development Office. For example, the SPC will be working with the Athletics Department and Career Services to jumpstart philanthropic efforts to make improvements within each office. As such, members of the SPC are Fordham students working for current and future Fordham students.

It is clear that there is a philanthropic spirit on campus, which I believe is unique to the Fordham experience. It is rare to find in competitive college settings students who are so willing to help their peers. I feel as though this spirit transcends campus and truly fosters strong community ties that exist even after graduation. Once a Ram, Always a Ram!

Poster distributed at the Fair promoting
the Bronx Community and its goings-on.
 

Rams for Others

Fordham students are dedicated to giving back to the community and helping those in need.  We embrace the Jesuit tenent of Men and Women for Others.  The Dorothy Day Center for Service and Justice offers many opportunities for students to participate in community service projects, but there are many additional ways to support good causes around campus and the community. 

Currently RHA (Residence Halls Association) is hosting a Philanthropy Series, with four main events.  Earlier in the month there was a 12 hour dance marathon and a beer tasting event (for those students 21+ of course). Both of these events were fundraisers for the B+ Foundation, which works to fight childhood cancer.  On Wednesday there will be a Philanthropy Fair featuring student clubs presenting about their work with the community and GO! (Global Outreach) Teams raising funds for their service trips.  The final event in the Philanthropy Series will be an auction taking place next week. 

Answering trivia in Dagger John's during the
beer tasting event for RHA's Philanthropy Series 

I recently turned 21, so I though what better way to celebrate than attend a beer tasting that benefited a great charity.  The event was held in Dagger John’s in the basement of the McGinley Center.  While munching on some chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, and pigs in a blanket (a.k.a. college kid delicacies) we were treated to fun facts about beer with the chance to answer beer trivia questions for prizes.  The host of the event was a recent Fordham alumnus, who actually had an internship with the New York City Brewers Guild while at Fordham (just another perk of attending a well-connected school in NYC).  We were given 4 oz. samples of 6 different types of beer, and while we were tasting, our host shared his industry knowledge and informed us of the qualities to look for in each.  I had a lot of fun and felt very sophisticated at my first beer tasting.  This event is just one example of how Fordham students find unique ways to serve others.  

Fashion for Philanthropy

One of the reasons I love Fordham is its active campus life.  As of this year, there are over 100 clubs on campus which provides for a bustling environment here at Rose Hill.  I feel like this is best captured every year at our club fair where executive board members of each club promote their group.  I always find the fair amusing, as it seems to turn into a competition to see which club can have the most members sign up.  Club members surround Eddie’s Parade and play music, hand out candy, and even run around to bring attention to their table!  It is always an exciting day because it kicks off the school year on a positive note where students can reconnect through organization about which they passionate. 

Treats from our #PSL sale!

One club that I am particularly passionate about is Fashion for Philanthropy, also known on commonly on campus is FFP.  FFP is an outlet for Fordham’s fashion enthusiasts as it incorporates all aspects of the industry from business, design, modeling, and yes, even charity!  The club essentially puts on different events, both big and small, throughout the year to raise money for the Make A Wish Foundation.  For example, this year, we have had a Mac and Cheese delivery bake sale and a Pumpkin Spice Latté station to help kick start the fall season.  I particularly enjoyed these events because it was a great way for club members to bond amidst the forthcoming chillier fall days that lie ahead.  Both were a big hit, especially the Pumpkin Spice Latté station where we even served some fall sweets and treats!  Great for the Halloween spirit!

I would say the club’s largest event is definitely our spring fashion show (we finally decided on a theme, which I am very excited about!).  This time of year is when we begin to primarily focus on the show as there are so many layers to its success.  First, we have to assemble and present a budget to OSLCD (Office of Student Leadership and Community Development) to put on the show with the necessary decorations, props, etc.  Then comes the process of gathering sponsors for the event, which have included in previous years Lord and Taylor, Pura Vida, and Jeffrey Campbell.  Amidst all of this, we also need to meet with student designers to showcase their pieces as well as train models for the show.  Ulitmately, all proceeds from the show, raised by raffles, prizes, tickets and donations go towards the Make A Wish Foundation – it’s a win win all around, and quite a fun production, so stay tuned!

Sponsor's from last year's show.

Pamphlets from last year's show.

As PR Coordinator of FFP, I am in charge of our club’s Wordpress blog account and social media forums.  I really enjoy working with our club members to discuss fashion as it is a creative outlet for us all.  That is what I love so much about this club – it represents a sector that is not typically promoted, and harnesses it in such a way to promote fashion as an art form and as an industry of its own.  There is so much that goes on in the fashion industry, from PR and Marketing, to designing and manufacturing, even law and ethics (which is what I am primarily interested in!), and we try our hardest to highlight all these different aspects for Fordham students.  We work very closely with Career Services to filter internship and job opportunities so that club members have access to such prospects and potential networking outlets.  Our members are definitely very busy – we even have a section on our blog called “Intern Diaries.” 

 

Model from last year's show, showcasing a piece from a Fordham student designer!

Fashion For Philanthropy is a club that has a strong mission and I look forward to see its growth during the rest of my time here at Fordham.  

Fordham "Philramthropy"

Student Fundraisers at a typical work night.

One of the things I was most nervous about before coming to college was the typical stereotype of the “poor college kid.”  For the first time, I would be living without my parents and managing my own expenses, something that high school definitely does not prepare you for.  I know it's not the most romantic or hottest of topics to talk about while dreaming of future college plans, but it is definitely a concern for students and their parents.

After adjusting to college my freshman year and feeling like I had too much free time, I decided to apply to the Call Center just before my sophomore year.  At the time, I thought the job would be a stress-free way to make some extra money for weekends and city adventures.  I never could have fathomed what the call center has brought to me: newfound friendships, career advice, and learning experience. 

One of the highest paying jobs on campus, the Call Center requires Fordham undergraduates to work 3, three-hour shifts (a total of 9 hours a week – definitely manageable!).  Each evening, from 6-9, “Philramthropists” reach out to alumni, parents, and friends of the University, to fundraise for scholarships, financial aid, campus-wide programs, just to name a few things. At first glance, this seems pretty mindless, maybe even undesirable.  But that is definitely not the case.

Our "leadership board" of total dollars raised by callers. 

Since working at the Call Center, also known as the Ram Line, I have fostered new friendships with fellow student fundraisers, whom I may have never met before.  I have talked to different alumni about prospective career options and paths in order to build up rapport during our calls.  While some alumni are more generous than others, I can honestly say that their pride for Fordham is universal.  It is so inspiring to talk to graduates from the class of 1950 to the class of 2013 who are so passionate about Fordham.  Their tone of voice seems to be a mixture of reflection, nostalgia, and unequivocal energy while talking about their days at the University.  What continues to inspire me even more is that many of these alumni, whether residing in California or even in the Bronx, still manage to find their way back to Rose Hill, and still feel that strong connection to the University as if they were still 19 and heading off to Philosophy class.

I thoroughly enjoy working with my fellow “Philramthropists” on a daily basis.  The Call Center is constantly full of energy and driven students who want to share and discuss their love of Fordham.  I am proud to be a student fundraiser and recommend it to any student interested in working on campus!  Go Rams!