Phi Lambda Psi Sorority hosted a spaghetti dinner benefiting “Dreams Go On” and autism awareness on April 3.
Dreams Go On provides therapeutic horseback riding sessions to adults and children from Blair County who are physically challenged or who receive mental health, behavioral health or family therapy services.
The program is designed to teach riders responsibility, confidence, patience and balance and strengthen their relationship skills through interacting with the horses.
The sorority was expecting around 100 to 150 people to attend last week’s spaghetti dinner, but the number of attendees ended up closer to 200 people. The event raised approximately $1,000 for Dreams Go On.
“This philanthropy allows us to advocate for those who are not able to advocate for themselves,” said sophomore Mia Haughn, who serves as the Philanthropy Chair of Phi Lambda Psi.
“Being able to help Dreams Go On is truly inspiring and rewarding.”
Haughn said that Phi Lamda Psi worked with many organizations and departments, on and off campus, to make the event happen.
These individuals and groups included Dreams Go On Program Manager Debbie Kelly, SFU’s Center for Student Engagement, SFU Greek Life, Torvian Dining Hall and various companies in Altoona and Ebensburg.
“I could not have done this without the help of all my sisters,” said Haughn.
The meal included the spaghetti entrée and a variety of desserts. There were also baskets for attendees to bid on that were raffled off following dinner.
“This philanthropy is more than just an organization that we donate money to,” said Jeanie Ramos, Phi Lambda Psi President.
“Autism is something that many people around the world deal with. Being able to help them is an amazing opportunity.”
