Epsilon Sigma Alpha (ESA), a philanthropic sorority, hosted the second annual “Fur Ball” dance, an animal themed event, in order to raise money for Muncie’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF), a local animal shelter with a “no-kill” policy. The event was free and open to all, yet donations were accepted.
A dog bowl full of “puppy chow” snacks, a container for coin-donations and a photo of a dog sat on each table along with an information sheet for the dog, showing their name, habits and other photos. T-shirts were being given away and a silent auction was held, featuring items such as coffee beans and Ball State paraphernalia.
Carly Kern, zoology major, dresses as a cat girl while talking about the event with others.
Brittany Brewer, an ESA member, danced along with the more than 100 other students who attended. Last year was the first time the event was held.
“We thought ‘let’s have a dance to make money for [ARF]’ and then we wanted to make it an annual event, so we planned it again this year,” Brewer said.
Audreyalice Kubesch, an ESA member, said that ESA raises money partly because of the organization’s philanthropic duties. However, many of the members of ESA have their own pets and that inspired the sorority to help ARF.
Audreyalice Kubesch (left) and Meredith McKee pass out t-shirts to the event-goers.There were about 200 shirts made for Wednesday evening.
“I have a rescued dog who’s very important to me,” Kubesch said. “We just wanted to make sure enough pets could get adopted and have loving families that need them.”
Next month, ESA will be participating in “Dance Marathon”, an event that aims to raise money for Riley’s Children Hospital. The sorority will also be organizing “Up ‘til Dawn”, a nationwide student-led, student-run program in which college students raise funds for St. Jude’s Research Hospital.
