Penny Wars

Written by: Kate Snyder, Development and Donor Communications Coordinator

It started as a trickle. A penny here, a penny there. But before long, it became a copper tidal wave. The final result? $1,347.78.

The Penny War -- organized by the fraternities and sororities of Carnegie Mellon University -- surprised everyone with its success. "I've never seen it do what it did this year," mused Dominick Williams, the Grad Assistant for Frat and Sorority Life on campus.

Dominick helped the Greeks organize the project during their first-ever "Greek Week" this fall. The campus boasts sixteen Interfraternity Council fraternities and sororities as well as four multi-cultural groups. Greek Week included fun events like flag football and tug-o-war, as well as a focus on philanthropy.

In addition to the Penny War, the Greeks collected hundreds of cans of food for EECM's Food Pantry.

When searching for an organization to focus their efforts on, Dominick gave the Greek leaders this directive: "Find a cause that you can believe in – that you think is worth it." Someone suggested EECM, and they were off and rolling.

Many thanks to everyone who helped to make the CMU Penny War and Food Drive a smashing success!