Sometimes limited assets can become a source of inspiration. Lundquist College of Business students in the University of Oregon chapter of the Alpha Kappa Psi (AKPsi) professional business fraternity spent less than $200 on a silent auction last April, which raised $2,700 for the Greenhill Humane Society. The successful event earned the chapter a fundraising award from the national AKPsi association.
"The budget for the event was small, but we were able to get a lot of things donated," said Ryan Brunkhardt, chapter vice president of administration. "We used grassroots promotions like fliers and invitations to establish a personal connection with the community."
The grassroots approach apparently worked for the group, which plans to make the auction an annual event. The campus fundraiser allowed the shelter to reinstate several programs that had been discontinued because of budget cuts.
The silent auction relied on donations from local and state businesses and took nearly four months to plan. It was named AKPsi's Best Charity Fundraiser for the year. The award is given to the chapter exhibiting "know-how" by combining an effective fundraising event with a service component. "This national recognition is a great honor for our chapter," said Veronica Jin, chapter president. "The success of the event was rewarding in and of itself, and it was a great opportunity for our members to give back to the community."
The honors didn't end there for the Oregon AKPsi chapter. Adam Ryan, a Lundquist College student who has been a ubiquitous presence at events organized by the group, took home the Innovator of the Year accolade. The brains behind a popular custom Oregon "O" polo shirt seen on so many business students, professors, and parents, Ryan was also the driving force behind the Children's Miracle Network football day--another successful AKPsi happening that is slated to become an annual event.
The Oregon chapter is becoming a familiar presence at AKPsi awards presentations. Last year, the group won a Best Professional Event award for its Dress for Success Fashion Show. At the same ceremony, Alex Peerenboom '08 took home the Brother of the Year honors.