Beta Theta Pi fraternity philanthropy chair Edward Distler knows the way to a lady’s heart, said Courtney Groves, the 2008-2009 philanthropy chair for the Sigma Kappa sorority.

When Beta Theta Pi fraternity brothers stopped at Sigma Kappa’s house advertising T-shirts for Haiti relief, Groves knew the fundraiser would be a success.

“”What better way to raise money than sell T-shirts, which are things Greeks buy almost once a week,”” said Groves, a pre-business sophomore.

Last Monday, the Beta Theta Pi fraternity brothers went to each sorority chapter governed by the Panhellenic Council to sell $15 lifeguard-style T-shirts, that say ‘Support Haiti with American Red Cross.’ The proceeds from the shirts go directly to the Red Cross for Haiti relief.

“”We went from house to house with signup sheets and have sold over 300 shirts already. That would make around $3,000 in donations in one week,”” said Distler, a physiology senior. “”We are happy with that but want to sell even more.””

The Sigma Kappa sorority members purchased between 30 and 40 T-shirts from the Beta Theta Pi fraternity.

We would love to help them with any further fundraising efforts,”” Groves said on behalf of the Sigma Kappa. “”We wish we’d have come up with the idea ourselves, but we would be willing to definitely help,”” she said, following a laugh.

“”The Beta Theta Pi fraternity has ordered 400 T-shirts so far and will order more depending on demand,”” said Wilson Rapp,Beta Theta Pi president and journalism junior.

“”The shirts are expected to come in later this week. They are sold on an individual basis, but the fraternity plans to eventually sell the T-shirts on campus and greek row.””

Beta Theta Pi’s goal is to earn $10,000 in proceeds for the Haiti relief effort. The fraternity has formed a Facebook group to get the word out about their fundraiser. 

“”When we get these shirts in, it will be a lot easier to sell them because we will have them in our hand,”” Distler said.

The fraternity began selling T-shirts to the Greek community and hopes to expand from there.

“”We decided that we wanted to do something to kick off the year and benefit Haiti, and we thought this fundraiser would help the other sororities and fraternities connect more,”” Rapp said.

In addition to contacting the Panhellenic sororities, Beta Theta Pi plans on reaching out to the multi-cultural fraternities and sororities, as well as the non-Greek community to sell the T-shirts.

“”I’d like to say that it’s a great way for us and the Greek community to do what we can and provide support for an area that truly needs it right now. Hopefully, we can make a big impact,”” Rapp said.