Alpha Omicron Pi and the Ames Area Running Club hosted their 30th Annual road race, Run for the Roses, on October 9, 2016. Run for the Roses is annually hosted 5k and 10k road race; participants are able to walk or run. This purpose of this philanthropic event is to raise money for the Arthritis Foundation. This being the 30th consecutive year that this race has made an impact within the Ames and Iowa State community. Throughout the last 30 years, the members of each respected organizations have worked diligently fundraising and donating thousands of dollars to the Arthritis Foundation.
Days prior to the 30th annual event the 2016 co-chairs, Mia Guion and Grace Elonen, shared their testimonies with the members of the Iota Sigma chapter as a way to get ‘fired up’ and set the tone for their philanthropy. Alpha’s worked tirelessly for months, weeks, and days an advance to pull together this annual event. Alumni traveled from across the United States to reunite with their sisters, support their alma mater, and the Arthritis Foundation.
Eileen and Don Muff, co-directors of Run for the Roses, worked in close contact with Mia and Grace assisting, guiding, and sharing their expertise related to this philanthropic event. Both, Eileen and Don, have experienced first hand each race Run for the Roses has had over the last 30 years. These two individuals continue to inspire the undergraduate women within the Alpha Omicron Pi Iota Sigma chapter and the members within the Ames Area Running Club.
This annual event not only helps individuals and families affected by Arthritis, but it provides participants with a fun filled day to meet new people and share experiences related to Arthritis. Arthritis affects 1 in 5 adult individuals, and can be debilitating in extreme cases. There are 300,000 children in the United State that are affected by Arthritis.
Women within Alpha Omicron Pi have witnessed individuals in their lives who live with Arthritis; increasing the momentum and passion for the event. Inspiring a deeper dedication within and makes raising money for this foundation real and rewarding for all involved
The Alpha Omicron Pi Iota Sigma Chapter at Iowa State University was recognized by their efforts in excellence in philanthropy at their annual Leadership Institute in June of 2016 placing the chapter as one of the top chapters for their community service and philanthropic services within Alpha Omicron Pi Nationally. The Greek community at Iowa State University holds an annual Vesper’s awards ceremony each spring. Alpha Omicron Pi was recognized during this ceremony for three consecutive years in being a top philanthropy within the community. What sets Alpha Omicron Pi a part from other philanthropic events is their efforts in collaborating with the Ames Area Running Club. Alpha Omicron Pi is one of the only Greek organizations at Iowa State that pairs with a non-greek organization to facilitate a philanthropic event.
This event annually brings together individuals suffering from this disability. This event brings together the Iota Sigma chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi and the current undergraduate members decade after decade. This event brings together the Ames Area Running Club and the Ames Community year after year. Run for the Roses changes lives by fundraising and receiving generous donations from participants. Alpha Omicron Pi is proud to host Run for the Roses annually. Alpha Omicron Pi is proud to support and donate to the number one causing disability in the country. This event inspires individuals of all ages to give back and assist in finding a cure for Arthritis.
