Discovering New Donations through “Egyptian Expedition”

Joey Muffler knows the good the American Red Cross can do in disaster situations.  Last spring, Muffler, the President of Delta Sigma Phi [Delta Sig] at Virginia Tech, went to New Orleans to assist in the disaster relief effort from Hurricane Katrina.

“The presence of the American Red Cross [in Louisiana] was everywhere,” said Muffler.  “New Orleans is still destroyed, and knowing that we are benefiting such efforts as rebuilding that amazing city does mean a lot.”

Delta Sig will be hosting their fourth annual “Egyptian Expedition” this week.  This philanthropic event is used to raise money for the American Red Cross.

According to Muffler, the American Red Cross serves hundreds of thousands of people per year by donating blood and assisting disaster relief efforts.

Muffler said last semester the event raised nearly $3,000 which the brothers decided to instead donate to the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund.

This year, 12 organizations will be competing in the event, but that doesn’t mean other community members can’t help contribute to the cause.

There will be a booth in Squires Student Center where the brothers will be collecting donations for the American Red Cross.

Also, Ben & Jerry’s will be donating a portion of their sales to the Delta Sig philanthropy all this week.

Teams participating in the event will do a variety of team building events such as building a sphinx scene and walking like an Egyptian.

Saturday marks the final day for “Egyptian Expedition.”  This day will consist of field games for the various participating teams.  Events include “The Nile Mile,” tug-of-war, and trivia.

Muffler gave this competitive advice.  “I guess the only hint I’ll give them is to study up on their Virginia Tech and Delta Sig trivia.”

As brothers of Delta Sig were in New Orleans last spring assisting in disaster relief, the American Red Cross announced they will be extending their “Emotional Support Program” until May 31, 2008.

According to the American Red Cross, this program allows for outpatient mental health and substance-abuse treatment for those affected by the disaster from licensed professionals across the country.

“The fact that survivors continue to sign up is an indication that the assistance is still greatly needed,” said Jacqueline Yannacci, the Program Manager of the Behavioral Health Programs.

Muffler said that not only is “Egyptian Expedition” an opportunity for the Greek community to come together, but also the Blacksburg community as a whole.  The event allows for people to support a common cause in an organized and fun fashion.