Contributed by Mark Grantham
The Auburn University Panhellenic group presented Auburn Opelika Habitat for Humanity (AOHFH) with a check for $58,356 to sponsor building Habitat homes #69 and 70 in Auburn.
Each year Auburn Panhellenic members fundraise through a talent competition known as Greek Sing. All proceeds raised during this event go directly to help Auburn Opelika Habitat build more homes and improve the lives of our partner families. This year Panhellenic was unable to have the traditional Greek Sing fundraiser due to safety concerns and COVID-19 restrictions. Though they were forced to cancel the completion talent show this year, they were still able to successfully raise funds for Auburn Opelika Habitat.
“This goes to show that the pandemic did not stop Panhellenic, as they overachieved by raising even more than the amount raised last year,” said Karen Turner who is the president of Habitat of Humanity Board of Directors. “The dedication that this group of amazing ladies has for this organization is truly a blessing, and we are very grateful for their hard work in helping Habitat succeed. Thank you Sarah Benton and Anna Sayers for your leadership.”
Panhellenic also volunteers each spring to work on Habitat homes. Earlier this year, Panhellenic partnered with Habitat and The Way2Serve Ministry to repair and rebuild homes in our community. Approximately 40 students from different sororities worked with Habitat construction leaders to repair a deck and wheelchair ramp, clean and prep floors for repair, build a shower access step, and repair a back door on a local home. Over 100 Panhellenic volunteers also partnered with Habitat for Humanity to assist with volunteer projects this year during February. Additionally, last year, they helped frame Auburn Opelika Habitat home #67 and were also a major sponsor on Habitat home #68, both in Opelika.
AO Habitat for Humanity Director Mark Grantham offered the following statement: “We would like to say thank you to the Auburn University Panhellenic for consistently supporting Habitat each year. Your partnership is valuable to this ministry. We truly appreciate your dedication to helping Habitat fulfill our mission, your efforts to exceed last year’s fundraising total, and everything you have contributed to this organization. Together we build homes, community, and hope.”
Pictured are Briaunna Jones – Habitat Home #69 Partner Owner, Anna Sayers – Assistant Director of Greek Sing, Sarah Benton – Auburn Panhellenic Greek Sing Director, Lindsay Holden – Greek Life Coordinator, Karen Turner – AOHFH Board President and Drake Martin – AOHFH Board Member.