GVSU fraternity donates $10,000 to assistance dogs

The Grand Valley State University chapter of Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity donated $10,000 to Canine Companions for Independence earlier this month through their 14th annual bike trip around Lake Michigan.
   
The fraternity spent eight days and seven nights riding around Lake Michigan, starting at Grand Valley’s Cook-Carillon Tower on April 26 and arriving back at the tower on May 3. Spanning more than 1,200 miles, the 19 members rode in teams of three, cheering on the bikers during hour-long shifts.
   
“Despite torrential rains for two days, this trip was a life-changing experience,” said chapter president Joe Ruffino. “Having attended the trip before, I knew that despite the weather conditions, our fraternity was doing the trip for a great cause.”
   
Alpha Sigma Phi nationally donated toward the Canine Companions for Independence for a decade, while the Delta Phi chapter at Grand Valley came up with the bike trip concept to continually give back each year. The national organization changed their national philanthropy to the LiveStrong Foundation, but the men of Delta Phi continued giving back to CCI because of their commitment to the organization.
   
“Having met the dogs and the people they assist each year, we knew that we couldn't stop donating to this cause,” said Chris Wieczorek, bike trip chairman. “The brotherhood bonding on the trip is a great experience, but more important is the cause that we are assisting.”

At the end of the trip, a reception was held by CCI in Chicago where members of the fraternity have the opportunity to meet the dogs, the staff of CCI, and the people that receive the dogs.

Founded in 1975, Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) is a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships. Headquartered in Santa Rosa, CA, CCI is the largest non-profit provider of assistance dogs, and is recognized worldwide for the excellence of its dogs, and the quality and longevity of the matches it makes between dogs and people. All CCI dogs and services are provided free of charge.