The Student Government Association unanimously approved a $6,421.82 appeal by Alpha Epsilon Phi, a campus sorority, for its 10th annual Ribbons on the Runway fundraiser. 

Eleanor Peery, a junior marketing communication major and Ribbons on the Runway event chair, said the funds raised will go to Sharsheret, a Jewish nonprofit organization that provides support for women with breast cancer, plus the sorority’s national philanthropy initiative. The event features a fashion show, a silent auction, and food and drinks. 

The event will cost a total of $8,211.82, according to the sorority’s appeal packet. Alpha Epsilon Phi is providing $990, and the Office of Student Life is providing $750. 

Peery approached Sharon Duffy, associate dean of students, and Jason Meier, director of student activities, about a donation from Student Life.  After looking through the budget, she said they agreed to donate $750 to cover the DJ and some of the printing costs. 

Other costs include the reservation of three rooms at the Ritz-Carlton, decorations, photographers, and food, said Peery. 

Peery said during the appeal that booking the Ritz allows for higher attendance, and therefore gives the sorority the chance to raise more money. She also said that of the hotels Alpha Epsilon Phi looked into, the Ritz offered the best deal, since last year’s event was hosted there.

The sorority bargained down the price for booking the hotel to $6,802.21, as opposed to the normal price of $12,000, said Peery, allowing Alpha Epsilon Phi to ask the SGA for less money. By paying the hotel for food and drinks, said Peery, the venue fee is waived.

 Now that the SGA has approved the funds, Peery said she will book the Ritz for April 6. The sorority will charge $10 for student tickets and $15 for non-students, and will hold a silent auction to raise money. 

Alpha Epsilon Phi’s goal is to raise $5,500 this year, according to Peery. Last year, the group raised almost $5,000 from about 200 attendees after receiving $8,095.24 from SGA. 

 Visual and Media Arts Senator Alicia Carroll spoke in favor of the appeal. 

“It’s one of the biggest philanthropy efforts on campus. I think that as an organization, SGA should support philanthropy throughout the college,” Carroll, a junior, said.

There is $67,892.59 left in the appeals budget.

During the SGA meeting, junior Dennis Connors resigned from his post as external programs commissioner through a letter, which was read aloud, citing academic timing conflicts as his reason for leaving.

The SGA closed the meeting to the public to discuss possible changes to the allocation or cost of the student activities fee.