Last December, Alpha Beta Chapter worked with Courtney Daviess from the Heart of Missouri United Way to plan their chapter's community service events. Daviess was extremely influential in helping them set up several different events around the Columbia area throughout the semester.

One of the most memorable for members was when they made a meal for families at the local Ronald McDonald House. The House is always looking for organizations to provide dinner for 30-35 people and since several members had already enjoyed volunteering with the Ronald McDonald House in their hometown, the chapter was excited to participate in Columbia.

Brothers made two meals during the semester. They provided a taco bar at the first event and made mostaccioli with salad and garlic bread at the second. The most enjoyable part of the experience for the brothers was working in the kitchen with friends knowing that it would help out families who were down on their luck.

The most difficult part of the process was adapting to a new kitchen and making sure the timing was right so the meal was ready when all of the families arrived to eat. For Alpha Beta Chapter, it seems like no matter where they help out, the organizations are always extremely grateful for getting a helping hand. This was especially the case with the Ronald McDonald House.

Often times with other events they realized that they are helping out the community, but it’s that much more rewarding when they can talk to the families who are directly benefiting from their work. After the success of their first experience with the Ronald McDonald House, they had no trouble getting members to volunteer for the second event.

If there was one piece of advice they could give to other chapters wanting to plan a similar event, it would be to plan everything in advance so you are prepared the day of the event. Also, and this goes for every event in general, have fun with what you do. Talk to the families, interact with the organizational employees, and joke around with fellow brothers. It’s much more enjoyable and you’re able to get a lot more out of the experience.