Garnet Knight Challenge

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SEPTEMBER 15, 2020

The Alpha Chi Rho Educational Foundation announced the launch of the Garnet Knight Challenge which was developed for Brothers of Alpha Chi Rho to stay physically active and virtually connected while supporting communities in need during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.  Through this challenge, members of Alpha Chi Rho will raise funds on the way to achieving personal athletic goals.These members, through the Alpha Chi Rho Educational Foundation (AXPEF),will support communities and families in need in a healthy and positive way.

To become a Garnet Knight, a Brother selects an athletic endeavor of their choice (any type of physical activity or fitness goal), raises at least $1,000 through the AXPEF website to benefit our charity partners, Habitat for Humanity and Feeding America, as well as the Foundation, and accomplishes the athletic endeavor of their choice.Registration is open and continues through June 30^th of each year.  Brothers can sign up online anytime and begin tracking their progress.  While there is no deadline for the fundraising or athletic endeavor, Brothers are “Knighted” every summer.

“The challenge may be any specific goal, activity or event that incorporates athletics or endurance in some way. We encourage all of our Brothers to be part of this initiative and give back to their communities and pay it forward to future generations of our men.” explained Gary DelPiano, AXPEF President.

As part of its commitment to provide financial and organizational support necessary for Fraternity members to attain their educational goals, the Foundation encourages all members to support programs and services that improve themselves, the Fraternity and society.

For the inaugural year of this challenge, we have chosen to support Feeding America to help those affected by the pandemic in our communities.  Feeding America is a nationwide network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs whose mission is to feed America’s hungry and engage our country in the fight to end hunger.  According to a July 2020 Wall Street Journal article, the organization estimates the pandemic could push an additional 17 million people into what it calls food insecurity this year. More than 82% of U.S. food banks are serving more people than they were last year, with an average increase of 50%, according to a June 2020 survey by the group.

At Alpha Chi Rho Fraternity’s 105th National Convention, the delegates approved a concentrated partnership with the local affiliates of Habitat for Humanity.Now, more than ever, Habitat for Humanity’s work is critical and AXPEF hopes to support their mission. For many families, those who were already struggling with a need for decent and affordable housing, their daily lives have only become more challenging. For others, those who find themselves affected by the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the future is newly uncertain.

“We believe now is the perfect time to introduce a program to not only motivate and challenge our men to improve themselves, but to also lend a hand to the communities where our Brothers and families live.”, stated Jay Anhorn, AXPEF Chief Operating Officer.  “These have been challenging times for all of us and we [Alpha Chi Rho] want to live our Landmarks and be of service whenever we can.”

To learn more or register for the Garnet Knight Challenge, go to the Challenge web page.

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The Alpha Chi Rho Educational Foundation (AXPEF) was incorporated in 1950 as a public 501c3 charity.  The mission of AXPEF is to provide the Fraternity of Alpha Chi Rho, its members, Chapters, and other students with the financial and organizational support necessary to attain their educational goals.  As part of that commitment, the Foundation encourages all members to support programs and services that improve themselves, the Fraternity and society.