Helping handoff goes long way

The IU chapter of the Acacia fraternity proved that greek life is more than just kegs, girls and cold dorms. Acacia Fraternity exemplified their motto of "Human Service" Wednesday with their first annual three-day philanthropy, "Turkey Trot." The goal of the event was to raise money for Gleaners Food Bank in Indianapolis. \nBeginning at Memorial Stadium, members of Acacia each took a turn running, football in hand, for at least one mile on highway and state roads until they reach their destination of Indianapolis. After they ran about 56 miles, the Purdue chapter of Acacia took and ran the football back home to West Lafayette. \nMoney raised from the event will be announced Saturday, at the Purdue football game by presenting a check to the Gleaners Food Bank. \nTo kickoff the philanthropy, Coach Gerry DiNardo took time from his day to come to the stadium and hand the football to the first runner, senior Matt Cairns. \n"This philanthropy wouldn't have been the same without the help from Coach DiNardo," said senior Corey Holsapple, an Acacia member. \n"Even with a busy schedule, he had no problem coming out here and helping us with our philanthropy."\nChapter vice president Tyson Chastain said he expected the chapter to raise about $1,700 from alumni, students, relatives and outside donations. In addition, the Lilly Foundation decided to match, dollar for dollar, the total amount of money the chapters collect.\n"I think the food bank will be really excited to receive this donation and I hope the money is able to help the many families in need," Chastain said. \nPam Altmeyer, president and CEO of Gleaners Food Bank, said she was so proud to be a part of "Turkey Trot." \n"This is a great approach to help feeding the hungry. I hope they have a good time because fighting hunger is something we are able to do and we should celebrate," Altmeyer said. "Hunger is the one problem where we can make a difference." \nShe said three food banks would benefit greatly from the service. Food banks receiving donations were located in Indianapolis, Lafayette and Bloomington. \n"It gives us inspiration because it shows that other people care as much about the hungry as we do," Altmeyer said.\nShe said she gives Acacia applause for all of the work they have done. \n"The community should be very proud of them because this is a major undertaking which has taken much cooperation."\nAfter much planning and hard work, Cairns said Acacia is really optimistic about this philanthropy. \n"With all the stress and time that was put into this event, it is exciting to see it all finally come together," Cairns said. "It will be hard to beat our previous philanthropies, but I hope this year we will raise more money and make it even better than in the previous years." \nHolsapple hopes the event will show students on campus and people in the community the importance of the greek community. \n"Acacia is not just a social fraternity -- the guys in the house always want to do their best to help the community in any way possible." \nCairns said the men of Acacia are dedicated to helping. \n"The motto for Acacia is human service and anything that we can do to exemplify that motto is a step in the right direction." \nChastain said participating in events that benefit the community is a unique experience. \n"Doing something like this gives you a great feeling inside because you know what you are doing has a positive influence on the life of someone that you don't even know," Chastain said. "We go to college and never realize how fortunate we are. This philanthropy made me appreciate how lucky really I am"