UTEP’s Alpha Xi Delta sorority hosted a flag football game to raise funds for the El Paso Center for Children, a non-profit organization that provides universal care and developmental services for children in the greater El Paso area.
The event, held at the university’s multi-purpose field behind the student recreation center, saw teams of students, alumni, and community members compete in a friendly game of flag football. All proceeds raised went toward the El Paso Center for Children.
Valeria Flores, the vice president of philanthropy of Alpha Xi Delta, said there are a lot of events that have an impact on the student body.
“This one is important because, we all go through the child and teen phase, and it’s important to know that not everyone has the same privilege or the same opportunities that we have. Some do. So, I think it’s important to support the people who don’t because, at the end of the day, if you have privilege, do something with it and make sure that you give it back to the community.” Flores said.
The El Paso Center for Children offers a wide range of services, including counseling, therapy, and educational programs, to children and families in need. The organization aims to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children and to help them develop the skills and resources they need to lead happy and productive lives.
“This is the third year we’ve worked with the El Paso Center for Children. They share the same values that our philanthropy does, supporting children and teens experiencing foster care and homelessness, so we wanted to apply our favorite event, ‘football frenzy,’ to this philanthropy,” Flores said.
The sorority faced obstacles of its own, especially when it came to the prospect of having multiple events running concurrently with the Alpha Xi Delta event, but what was important was making a difference for the community and pushing through.
“Like Project Move, I was looking at the date because it was announced after, like way after we chose the date. So, it was like, okay, I think most of the people would go to that because it’s an important event, so we had to reschedule it. So, I think the biggest struggle I had was finding the perfect date because, you know, we want these events to be perfect and fun for everyone,” Flores said.
The event not only raised funds for the El Paso Center for Children but also created awareness about the organization’s vital work in the community. The event also brought together community members who showed their support for the organization’s goal of providing a safe and nurturing environment for children and valuable lessons for those who participated.
“I enjoy giving back to the community. I didn’t know I did, but I discovered that I do, and it’s like really fulfilling playing an event where you’re going to have fun, but also, you’re going to help an amazing organization. Hopefully next year if this event, if we plan this event as well, it will be better than it was this year and last year.” Flores said.
Jorge Guajardo is a staff reporter and may be reached at [email protected].
