beta eta | uc san diego
Philanthropy
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A foundation supporting research and aiming to improve awareness of issues related to children with HIV and AIDS, and the prevention of pediatric HIV. Elizabeth Glaser, an AEPhi Sister at University of Wisconsin (Sigma Chapter) had contracted AIDs virus in 1981 from a transfusion during childrenbirth. She unknowingly passed it on to both of her children. Her young daughter Ariel's battle with AIDs inspired her to create the foundation. The foundations logo was painted by Ariel, who envisioned the world as a beautiful garden kept bright with sunshine and surrounded by love. Unfortunately both Ariel and Elizabeth passed away from the disease, but their legacy lives on in this foundation.
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Every year we host a day-long soccer tournament "Phifa", where sororities and fraternities are paired off into teams and compete against one another. With the support of numerous sponsors, we also have a large raffle in which various prizes can be won!
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A national organization of cancer survivors dedicated to addressing the unique concerns of young Jewish women facing breast cancer. Sharseret, meaning "chain" in Hebrew, was created in 2001 by Rochelle Shoretz, a law clerk to Surpreme Court Justice and a Cornell AEPhi alumna. At the age of 26, Rochelle was diagnosed with breast cancer and realized the need for an organization that could provide culturally sensitive support and educate health care professionals about breast cancer in young women. Today, the organzation promotes awareness, provides funding for research and presents many education and outreach programs.
In the past, we joined forces with Jewish Family Services of San Diego and made one hundred gift bags to give to breast cancer patients, survivors, and fighters. We have also done fundraisers such as Teeter for Tots and Manicure for a Cure.
From the very beginning, Alpha Epsilon Phi has been committed to philanthropic service. In the early years, AEPhi focused on providing aid to Jewish war sufferers, scholarships for those in need and support of educational endeavors. As the years went on, AEPhi introduced national philanthropies that allowed for hands-on community service, allowing members the ability to not only raise funds, but to volunteer and give of themselves.
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Through the years, national philanthropic and community service projects have included support of dental clinics, traveling libraries for Arkansas, scholarships for refugees students, the donation of an ambulance to the U.S. Army during World War II, Project Arrow and Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer, Israel.
Currently, Alpha Epsilon Phi members are active in a wide range of community service and philanthropic activities.
Through thousands of service hours and fundraising efforts that benefit AEPhi’s two national philanthropies Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and Sharsheret and many other local and national charities, AEPhis demonstrate that they are “dedicated to selfless service and inspiring others.”