The Hype

Acacians in the Community

by Andrew Chew and Jacob Sloan

November marked our first major philanthropy event for this semester. The Texas Chapter participated in the Block Party sponsored by Omega Delta Phi Fraternity, a community service event to repair and repaint old and dilapidated housing in the Waller Creek subdivision in Austin. Acacia spent the entire morning and much of the afternoon painting and touching up the houses needing repair. During that time we were able to complete repair on two residential houses in the neighborhood.

On the weekend of Halloween, some of the brothers and pledges volunteered at the University of Texas’ annual Longhorn Halloween. Acacia helped to provide a safe trick-or-treating environment for neighborhood youths on campus during the day. During our time there, we manned the fishing booth where trick-or-treaters would "go fishing" to try and get some of our candy. Our booth was very popular and had quite a warm reception from the volunteer coordinators.

The Thursday preceding Halloween weekend, the first pledge class of the fall participated in the Kappa Delta Sorority and Pi Beta Phi Sorority "Pumpkin Bash," a Halloween carnival provided for the disadvantaged youth of Austin. This year was the second time that Acacia has been invited and participated in this carnival. The pledge class built and operated a frisbee toss booth for the entire afternoon.

In addition, Acacia was also a part of another sorority-sponsered event, Alpha Delta Pi Sorority's Annual Kickball Tournament. Although Acacia lost in the semi-finals to a tough Phi Psi Fraternity team, the brothers still felt like winners. We were also helped in the tournament by Jarrod VanZant, Acacia national Leadership Consultant, who visited us this semester to assist our recruiting efforts and get us ready for chartering.