In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the Gamma Eta Chapter at Florida State University demonstrated its commitment to service and community support. Partnering with nearly 200 members of FSU’s Interfraternity Council (IFC), KA brohters traveled to Perry, Florida, to aid in disaster relief. They tackled debris removal, assisted locals in flooded homes, and provided a sense of hope amid the devastation.
FSU’s Interfraternity Council members, led by the IFC vice president of scholarship and service Ian Seibert (Gamma Eta–Florida State ’22), showed initiative by swiftly mobilizing when they realized official relief organizations were still setting up operations. Among these dedicated volunteers, members of Kappa Alpha Order, including brother Charlie E. Hansen (Gamma Eta–Florida State ’22), went beyond debris removal by organizing a meal for affected families. They cooked over 100 pounds of pulled pork, distributing meals with the Salvation Army at a local relief center on Keaton Beach.
“The IFC at FSU is such a large group of students and I knew we had the opportunity to really make a difference,” commented Seibert. “We wanted to get involved with something bigger than ourselves. They needed help, and we could help them, so we did. One of my pledge brothers, Charlie Hansen always makes BBQ for philanthropy events. He offered to cook 100lbs of pulled pork and we brought it down to Perry the weekend after the cleanup. We served it alongside the Salvation Army and dropped off some at a relief camp closer to the beach where the hurricane made landfall.”
Salvation Army worker Major Marie Harris praised the fraternity men, noting that “their time and resources…were a breath of fresh air.” For KA brothers, the relief efforts were more than just a day of service; they embodied the values of brotherhood and selflessness, supporting a community in desperate need.
