Alpha Chi Omega is competing with sorority sisters at the University of Alabama to see who can raise the most money for their national philanthropy, Beyond Home Turf.
Caroline Livingston, Alpha Chi Omega vice president of philanthropy, said the sorority's goal is to raise domestic violence awareness.
Livingston said the competition kicked off on Thursday, Sept. 1 and will continue until the 2016 Iron Bowl on Saturday, Nov. 26 where the winner with be announced at the Alpha Chi Omega house in Tuscaloosa.
"Beyond Home Turf is a philanthropy competition we are having with our Alpha Chi sisters at the University of Alabama to challenge each of our chapters to raise the most funds for our local domestic violence shelters throughout the semester," Livingston said. "It is really about recognizing that our philanthropy, domestic violence awareness, reaches beyond our own community and encouraging our chapters to raise more funds for our local shelters at the same time."
Alpha Chi Omega hosts philanthropy events and raises funds for Beyond Home Turf throughout the year, Livingston said.
"We strive to support this cause by being advocates for other women on a day to day basis and recognizing warning signs of unhealthy relationships," Livingston said. "Domestic Violence is a heavy topic, but it’s so important to bring awareness to the issue," Livingston said.
Livingston said the sorority tries to support victims of domestic violence by hearing their stories.
"Every October during Domestic Violence Awareness Month we host a candlelight vigil where we recognize those who have lost their lives due to domestic violence and have the opportunity to hear survivors share their stories," Livingston said. "We really try to focus on supporting and empowering other women both within our chapter and in our community because that is really where domestic violence prevention starts."
The Alpha Chi sisters strive to support the local Domestic Violence Intervention Center in Opelika when they can, Livingston said.
Livingston said she encourages the Auburn Family to help "support the Domestic Violence Intervention Center and beat 'Bama".
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