Zeta Phi Chapter raises $25,000 for a veteran’s Track Chair and The Independence Fund
Patrick J. Glavey lost both of his legs in 2010 while on tour in Afghanistan. While after more than a year of rehabilitation at the Naval Medial Center, Glavey’s life is not back normal, but he is able to pursue his dream with the help of the Zeta Phi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Order.
On Saturday, March 18, 2017, the Zeta Phi Chapter at High Point University presented Glavey, a retired Marine, with a Track Chair. This is the second year in a row that the Zeta Phi Chapter has raised more than $25,000 to purchase a Track Chair for a wounded veteran. Partnering with The Independence Fund and Heal Team 6, Zeta Phi Chapter was able to give mobility back to Glavey with the special all-terrain chair. With the additional mobility, Glavey is now able to focus his efforts on growing a tree nursery and developing a permaculture-based vegetable farm in Thorton, Colorado.
“I’m extremely grateful that a group of individuals came together to assist me in living a richer, more capable life with my family,” said Glavey. “I am a proponent of focusing on service before self. Seeing members of a fraternity apply this principle in their own lives has provided me with a great appreciation for the men of High Point University’s Kappa Alpha Order.”
Zeta Phi Chapter’s efforts, Operation K.A.R.E, have been led by senior Michael Esposito (Zeta Phi–High Point ’14). In the past year, more than $50,000 has been raised from donors in 32 states to provide 2 track chairs to wounded veterans. In addition, their efforts have been featured on Fox & Friends and The O’Reilly Factor.
“I’m beyond grateful for the service and sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform, and I’m extremely proud of my fraternity brothers,” Esposito, said. “Last year, we presented a chair to Michael Verardo’s family, and we got to see how much that impacted their lives. That’s why we’re here again today. The members of this fraternity have created one of the most successful and directly impactful student-led initiatives in the country. They have built a nationwide coalition of donors to provide this incredible, life-changing gift for a deserving veteran. I am so proud of them all. We look forward to doing this year after year. I hope you all continue with us in our mission to serve the men and women who protect this country.”
