22 Aug, 2019

AEPi Reaches Million-Dollar Philanthropy Milestone

22 Aug, 2019

Five years ago, the undergraduate Brothers of Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi), the world’s leading Jewish college fraternity, launched a $1,000,000 commitment to 10 Jewish and Israeli philanthropies. Brothers in nearly 190 chapters in six countries around the world raised funds through AEPi’s Official Philanthropy Program (OPP) to accomplish the goal. This was the single largest philanthropy project that the undergraduate students have ever undertaken.

“As a Jewish Fraternity, AEPi is committed to Tikkun Olam – repairing the world. Our undergraduates have chosen to give back to these 10 Jewish and Israeli causes because that is where our heart and soul are, with the Jewish people and with Israel,” said Jeff Jacobson, AEPi’s Supreme Master (International President. “Teaching and reinforcing the lessons of Tikkun Olam in college helps to foster the development of our Brothers into tomorrow’s Jewish communal leaders.”

The 10 beneficiaries, decided by the fraternity’s undergraduate Brothers, receiving a $100,000 donation each are: BBYO, B’nai B’rith International’s Disaster Relief Program, Gift of Life, Heroes to Heroes Foundation, Israel Children’s Cancer Foundation, IDF Widows and Orphans Organization, Innovation: Africa, MadaTech Museum, Simon Wiesenthal Center, and Taglit-Birthright Israel.

AEPi's Official Philanthropy Program beneficiaries accepting their donations

Being charitable is a part of the fraternity experience. According to the National Interfraternity Conference (NIC), last year fraternity men raised more than $20 million and dedicated 3.8 million man hours to helping local and national charitable organizations. But, only AEPi has committed to raising funds only for Jewish and Israeli causes.

Nearly every AEPi chapter raised money for the Repair the World Fund during the 2018-19 academic year and several chapters raised significant funds, including the University of Wisconsin-Madison which raised $29,270 and Northeastern University which raised $10,132. Other chapters which were very active last year were the University of Tampa ($9,576), Binghamton University ($9,174), Georgia State University ($8,460), Michigan State University ($8,431), Drexel University ($8,069), James Madison University ($7,968), University of Kansas ($7,954) and University of Minnesota ($6,216).

“We are extremely proud of the accomplishments of our undergraduate Brothers for taking on this challenge and working so hard to accomplish this commitment in just five years. This program has been completely driven by our outstanding undergraduate leadership. They created the goal and selected the beneficiaries because they are programs which matter to them and to the future of Israel and the world’s Jewish communities. And, then, they went out and raised a million dollars to help Repair the World,” said Jim Fleischer, AEPi’s Chief Executive Officer.

For more information regarding AEPi’s OPP and their philanthropic beneficiaries please visit aepigivesback.org.

Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi) is the world’s leading Jewish college fraternity, operating chapters, colonies and interest groups on nearly 180 college campuses in the United States, the United Kingdom, Austria, Canada, Australia and Israel. Founded in 1913, AEPi has more than 100,000 living alumni. While non-discriminatory, the fraternity’s mission – developing the future leaders of the Jewish communities – is demonstrated every day through acts of brotherhood, Tzedakah (charity), social awareness and support for Jewish communities and Israel.

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