Washburn’s Alpha Delta Fraternity tweaked its traditional Sweetheart Ball this year to put the fun in fundraiser. A night full of food, dancing and  silent auctions led this Alpha Delta fundraiser to success.

The Feb. 18 event brought in local high school bands, Alpha Delta family members and Topeka and Lawrence communities to support Alpha Delta’s philanthropic efforts toward diabetes education, awareness and research.

In total, the fundraiser brought in more than $2500 to donate to local organizations with similar goals regarding diabetes.. Organizations such as the American Diabetes Association, Topeka Cosmopolitan Club, Emerald City Cosmopolitan Club of Topeka and River City Cosmopolitan Club of Lawrence received funds raised at the ball. Alpha Delta deemed the local cosmopolitan clubs as the primary beneficiaries of the event.

Connor Ferrell, Alpha Delta chapter president explained why the fraternity chose to donate most of the funds to the local cosmopolitan clubs.

“Since these area cosmo clubs know where the needs are in their communities, it makes sense to help fund them,” Ferrell said.

The Topeka and Lawrence Cosmopolitan Clubs assist and support local diabetes causes and community needs. These clubs are part of Cosmopolitan International which is a chartered not-for-profit civic service organization founded in 1918. With more than1800 members, Cosmopolitan International is able to donate regularly to clubs working in their own communities.

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The Topeka High School Jazz Band, directed by Eric Bradshaw and the Lawrence Free State High School Jazz Combo, directed by Collin Watgen, provided music for the upbeat charity event. Alpha Delta provided professional dance couple, Jake Fisher and Katie Moshier, who taught willing participants popular ballroom dance styles.Sophomore nursing major, Bobbi Sinclair, from Alpha Phi was honored as the Sweetheart at the unique event.

The fundraiser was co-sponsored by the Meadowlark Estates, a retirement community in the Lawrence area. Kim Gross, Meadowlark Estates management team member, enjoyed experiencing “A fraternity hosting an event where all age groups … mingle and enjoy one another in a positive atmosphere.” The venue allowed space for more than 150 participants to attend.

Washburn’s chapter of Alpha Delta was founded in 1912 as a local fraternity and is situated at 1919 SW MacVicar Ave. Many notable alumni have come from this chapter such as , Bradbury Thompson, W. Walter Menninger, Richard Ross, Michael Worswick and many others.

For more information on Alpha Delta or their philanthropic efforts, contact chapter adviser, Mayre Hoffman at (913)608-3086.