Aphiasco 2016

When springtime rolls around, Alpha Phis come together to put on the most anticipated event of the semester, Aphiasco. Friends and family gather for our silent auction philanthropy event that we put on annually. This year, Aphiasco was an even bigger hit than in years past. The night started with hip jazz music and small tapas while guests roamed around the silent auction baskets that our fellow sisters made. Baskets ranged from “Have your own Spa Day” to an autographed American Horror Story poster that guests could bid on. Guests started heading in to the venue and enjoyed a three course meal while the fun began. Games such as Heads or Tail beads were popular to win a decadent twelve wine bottle basket. But the excitement started when guests got their paddles ready for the live auction with our wildly fast auctioneer. Our first auction piece was our Alpha Phi quilt crafted by Senior, Amanda Wear’s mother; this quilt has become a tradition at Aphiasco. People itching to travel were excited about our vacation packages such as a weekend skiing in Boulder, Colorado and even a trip to Hawaii. The auction piece that won the hearts of every crowd member was the Shiatzu puppy, courtesy of our president, D’Ana Smith’s mom.

 We took a break from the auctions to have our most heartfelt moment of the night, when Saylor, a six-year-old girl, who has already undergone six open heart surgeries came to speak a little about her condition. Her family spoke out and explained how they could have never expected this to happen to their second child after their eldest had no birth complications, but explained how Saylor has been such a blessing to them. These families are the reason why Aphiasco is such a memorable and special night.

 

After the amazing speech Saylor’s family gave, we finished the auction with bid from the heart where our guests can donate anywhere from $25 to $5,000. We ended the night thanking our seniors, because without them our chapter would not be where it is today. Junior Emilee Theno, our former Director of Campus Affairs, directed Aphiasco, and helped us raise a total of $60,000. She could not be happier to continue helping Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles in the years to come. Emilee exclaimed, “I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to plan Aphiasco this year. I care so much about our two causes, and seeing all of our hard work come together for them is truly incredible.” Can’t wait to see how next year’s Aphiasco goes!

It's been a PHUN year

After an incredibly packed fall semester, we all studied away for finals when all we could think about was our Holiday Break. This semester was filled with Lipsync, Greek Week, Football, Girls Soccer, Dance Marathon and much more, but we had so much fun through it all.

We hosted our Fall Philanthropy, Dance Marathon, where we support Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles by hosting a six-hour dance celebration where we “Dance for those who can’t.”  

Our VP of Campus Affairs, Emilee Theno, and Director of Dance Marathon, Melanie Fougeres created a fun philanthropy that included a DJ, games, and having families that we have helped through CHLA. In the spirit of “interfraternalism”, we participated in Greek Week, which included events such as philanthropy speakers, knowledge bowl, several service events, and football. We all participated in the various events so we could support Alpha Phi, while have fun at the same time. 

During our Holiday Break our Phis went home and were reunited with family and friends. Our sisters went to exciting places like Lake Tahoe, Florida, Morocco, Bali and Hawaii! Our sister, Madison O’Hara went to Morocco for a service trip and experienced their culture by talking with Moroccan lawyers regarding laws allowing domestic violence and put on workshops for women where they talked about women’s rights and how they are oppressed in society. Senior Maryam Al-Haddad traveled to Bali and was able to do yoga at The Yoga Barn. Sisters also met up to visit each other in hometowns and were reunited to celebrate New Year’s and each other’s company.

Fall Semester and Holiday Break will be missed but we are so excited for what is to come during spring semester! With Spring Recruitment and our philanthropy Aphiasco, 2016 will surely be another great year.