When the brothers at Epsilon Zeta Chapter were trying to come up with an event for their winter philanthropy, they decided that they wanted to do something different. They wanted to do an event that didn’t just give back to the Greek community they wanted to do something that could involve the campus as a whole. They also wanted the event to be something that would allow individuals to get to know the Theta Chis on a more personal level – something that would help individuals to understand the brotherhood of Theta Chi while giving back to a greater cause.
Eventually the brothers decided that a date night auction was just the event that fit the bill. They also decided that proceeds from the event would be donated to Sal’s Soldiers, a foundation founded by their chapter brother, Salvatore DeGaetano (2015), in honor of his father, also named Salvatore, who had recently passed away after a 20-year fight with a severely progressive form of Multiple Sclerosis.
“I had participated in events such as the "MS Walk" throughout my life, but I had never felt that I had done enough for the cause,” said DeGaetano. “My father’s passing gave me the drive to really push the production of Sal's Soldiers,” he added. “Now I feel like I have done something to make a difference. I'm aware that I can't change the world or find a cure on my own, but if I can help raise awareness and donate to locals in the area with this disease by utilizing a local MS Society Chapter, I know that I have made a difference for someone,” he concluded.
The Date-a-Chi Auction was held Feb. 11, 2014, at the historic Plant Hall, on the University of Tampa campus. More than 200 guests filled the Fletcher Lounge.
In total, 16 brothers were auctioned off at the event. Dates consisted of jet skiing at Clearwater Beach, to a Tampa Bay Lightning hockey game.
Brother Diamanté Spruill (2014) was auctioned to the highest bidder for $100. He and his date will enjoy a day at Hillsborough River State Park, followed by an evening at the Florida State Fair.
A total of $860 was raised for Sal’s Soldiers. Since the event, the membership of Sal’s Soldiers continues to grow.