This summer ended with two powerful hurricanes hitting Texas and Florida. Sadly, many people, including SigEp brothers and their families, lost their homes or were without power and water. Despite the devastation in those two states, SigEps near and far rallied together to make a difference and showed support for their communities. Here are some of their stories:

Arkansas Zeta — Central Arkansas

Despite not being able to be on the ground in Texas to help with Hurricane Harvey relief efforts, the brothers of Arkansas Zeta came together and made a difference. Brothers donated blood and even helped send a truckload of supplies and water to Texas.

Florida SEC — Florida

In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, the men of Florida SEC immediately went out into the community to help with cleanup. Along the way, they came across Littlewood Elementary School and met the principal, Justin Russell. Later that day he posted, “Feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the remaining debris [on the elementary school campus], unexpectedly and out of nowhere 18 young men from SigEp at the University of Florida randomly showed up for no other reason but to help with storm cleanup. I handed out rakes, divided up campus, and we got to work. I was able to send my staff home to get their homes in order and campus looks better than it did before Irma. What a refreshing example of service and selflessness these Gators showed to our community. A few of them even signed up to tutor and mentor.” Read the principal’s Facebook post.

Florida Xi — Florida Atlantic

When it was confirmed that Hurricane Irma was headed for Florida, Florida Atlantic SigEp brothers and co-founders of the Islamorada Beer Company, Tyrone Bradley, ’07, and Jose Herrera, ’05, knew they had to do something to help local residents once the storm passed. So, they repurposed their fermentation tanks to hold water. Overall, the brothers helped provide more than 20,000 gallons of water to Florida residents. The brothers also created a relief fund and have raised more than $20,000.

Oklahoma Alpha — Oklahoma State

Brother Alex Pfeifer, ’18, and his chapter brothers reached out to the American Red Cross and asked how they could help with hurricane relief efforts. A Red Cross representative told them that, at the time, it was difficult to work out the logistics of transporting nonperishable items, so monetary contributions were more helpful. So, the chapter set up tables on campus and raised more than $4,100. The chapter also donated an additional $2,000 from its operating budget. Read the full story.

Texas Alpha — Texas-Austin

As soon as Harvey passed, the chapter’s vice president of member development, Marcus DeAyala, ’18, organized a group of brothers to help with cleanup. Through the weekend the brothers visited blocks of homes around Houston saw people trying to get water out of their homes, packing up the few possessions that were salvageable, and tearing out drywall, studs and floors in preparation for the next step. Proud to see that our Texas Alpha brothers were able to help others with the recovery process.

Texas Chi — Texas A&M-Corpus Christi

Once Hurricane Harvey passed, Texas Chi brothers considered themselves lucky given that the hurricane did not affect them as bad as they thought it would have. With school being delayed for a week, the brothers went out into the Port Aransas and helped with cleanup. The chapter says that they were just doing their part to help the community.

If you and your brothers helped with Hurricane Harvey & Irma relief efforts, please let us know by sending an email to communications@sigep.net.