HPU fraternity brothers build new homes for puppies
Nick Bainbridge // News Editor
On Feb. 24, the Raise the Woof charity event took place at the High Point University Community Center. Several groups from across High Point, including schools, city departments, businesses and other organizations, gathered from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. to auction off the fruits of their labor to anyone interested in high quality dog houses.
One of the groups to participate in the event was the HPU Interfraternity Council, which is made up of Beta Theta Pi, Kappa Alpha Order, Kappa Sigma, Pi Kappa Alpha, Pi Kappa Phi and Sigma Nu.
Members from these fraternities worked together to build five different dog houses, which they presented at the HPU Community Center. Three of the IFC’s creations were purchased at the silent auction and delivered to private homes in the High Point area.
According to Nick Esposito, president of the IFC Executive Council and Beta Theta Pi representative, the fraternities at HPU are always looking to support causes in the High Point community.
“IFC was looking to support the greater community of High Point. It shows that High Point University has a greater concern with what happens in our city,” explained Esposito. “Robin Lindsay with Raise the Woof reached out to the IFC, describing the event.”
A lot of creative work was put into the designs of the dog houses. Some of the most ambitious designs were made to resemble an alien spaceship or had unique features such as heated floors.
After the charity event, spirits were high amongst the IFC members. The HPU students were proud of the work they had accomplished and believed that they had made a good contribution to the community to improve the lives of canines in the High Point area.
“I feel that every fraternity made a great house, and we not only showed respect for our school by doing it, but for our community as well,” said Esposito.
The charity auction as a whole sold dozens of creations and raised more than $15,000. All proceeds of from the event were divided between several different causes including GO FAR and Backpack Beginnings, which focus on supporting children in the area, as well as organizations like the Davidson County Animal Alliance, the Canine Health Fund and other groups focusing on supporting retired police dogs.
The Raise the Woof organizers also encouraged attendees to adopt a pet. Event managers brought retired police dogs and dogs rescued from unsafe homes to the charity event so that the canines could find a new family to go home with.
Inspired by Raise the Woof event, the HPU chapter of Beta Theta Pi even decided to adopt a dog of their own. Their puppy, Brandy, is the beloved newest member of Beta Theta Pi and has been happily integrated living in the fraternity house.
“She brings our fraternity closer together, because who doesn’t like a dog?” Esposito said. “We all take care of her, acting like her adoptive brothers.”