University of Michigan Greek organizations raise more than $210,000 for nonprofits

ANN ARBOR – University of Michigan fraternities and sororities joined forces Saturday, Feb. 18, to raise money for three nonprofit organizations during the annual Winterfest philanthropic event.

In total, students raised $212,060 – surpassing their goal of $200,000 – for the Autism Alliance of Michigan, the Women’s Center of Michigan and Fisher House.

Each year, the Sigma Nu fraternity hosts Winterfest, a broomball tournament with a competitive fundraising platform. Thousands of students participate and attend the event, according to a release.

“Each year, I am humbled by the passion and commitment demonstrated by the many fraternities, sororities and the broader student community. They dedicate countless hours to not only raising funds, but also building the rink and putting on an event that attracts thousands of people,” AAoM President and CEO Colleen Allen said in a statement . “There is no other event of this magnitude on a college campus that raises awareness and funds to support our families living with autism in Michigan.”

AAoM received $70,000 in funds raised from the broomball tournament.

“This is one of our proudest days as students,” Alejandro Arguello, Sigma Nu’s chair of philanthropy and events coordinator, said in a statement. “Winterfest has been a part of Greek life for years, but none of us expected it to reach the levels of fundraising and participation we experienced this year.”