For Lauren Ravitch, her first experience with Phi Sigma Sigma’s grilled cheese fundraiser was four years ago when she was a new member of the sorority at Temple University.

“I was a new member and I had a really late shift,” said Ravitch. “My job was to prep the sandwiches. I remember being so excited because the whole Greek community was at our house. Grilled cheese was the first Greek-wide event that I saw at Temple.”

Now, as a senior at Temple and president of Phi Sigma Sigma Xi Chapter, Ravitch is gearing up for the first of her last two grilled cheese events.

“It's sad for me because it is our biggest tradition. Things change every year but grilled cheese is something that stays the same; it’s always successful, people always come, the sisters love it. I’m excited to do it as president because I can see the younger members getting excited and see the future of our organization.”

So what is Phi Sig grilled cheese?

Every semester, the sisters of Phi Sig Temple host their highly-anticipated grilled cheese fundraiser. During the fundraiser, the sisters of Phi Sig make and sell grilled cheese sandwiches for $1. This fundraiser has been a tradition in the chapter for over a decade and is held at the Phi Sig house on Diamond Street from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Sophomore Daniela Porro lives in the Phi Sig house this year and is very eager for it to be filled up with Temple students.

“I was always excited for grilled cheese because it's such an amazing event, but I'm so much more thrilled for this year because I'm living in the house,” said Porro. “I can't wait to have so many people come here to support such an amazing cause. If you love grilled cheese and lots of people, you know where to find us.”

All of the sisters in the chapter participate in the fundraiser throughout the night, with assigned time slots from beginning to end. During their time slot, sisters work greeting people at the door, preparing sandwiches, cooking sandwiches and delivering freshly made grilled cheese to hungry visitors. Although the shifts are only 30 minutes long, many sisters stay longer to spend time with each other and interact with people buying the grilled cheese.

“Grilled cheese is a prime example of why the best people to fundraise with are your sisters and friends,” said sophomore Anna Tresvalles. “You all feel so passionate about a cause and it makes you work even harder for the event to be a success.”

All proceeds from the fundraiser are donated to the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation, which supports school and college readiness. Through the Foundation, Phi Sigma Sigma is able to donate to various causes that have to do with education such as providing scholarships or working with programs like Practice Makes Perfect and the Kids in Need Foundation. Phi Sig’s current fundraising chair, Gabrielle Procacci, stresses the importance of their philanthropy.

“What could be more important than preparing our youth for school?” said Procacci. “Grilled cheese is fun for sisters, yes, but it is also an event we have to give back the children in our community so they can grow up, go to college and who knows maybe some will become Phi Sigs one day.”

This year grilled cheese will conclude Phi Sigma Sigma’s fundraising week. During the week of Oct. 5, the sisters of Phi Sig Temple will be fundraising for multiple causes like the National Breast Cancer Foundation, CHOP and Children’s Miracle Network, and Autism Speaks. Procacci's fundraising goal for the entire week is $3,000. Last semester, the grilled cheese fundraiser alone raised $2,125 between sandwich sales, donations the night of the event and donations via GoFundMe and Procacci is confident that fundraising week will be an even larger success.

"Every semester we raise more and more money for our philanthropy," said Procacci. "It is an honor to help keep the tradition alive, and more importantly, help the fundraiser grow."

Not only is grilled cheese their biggest fundraiser, but the sisters of Phi Sigma Sigma also consider it to be a a great bonding experience that they look forward to each semester

"Where else are you going to learn how to make the perfect grilled cheese at 2 in the morning?" said junior Olivia Kolis.

The sisters of Phi Sigma Sigma are preparing to host their semi-annual fundraiser on Oct. 8, and they are as excited as ever.

“I get excited about grilled cheese every semester because it's our signature event and everyone knows that Phi Sig girls make the best grilled cheese,” said senior Genna Pyles. “It's one of our best fundraisers and gets the whole campus to come together and have fun.”