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!
