Brothers of Colgate (Brothers), a student group dedicated to the discussion of and action on social issues experienced by Colgate University men of color, hosted their annual charity week from April 4 to April 8. This year, proceeds from the event will be sent to the local Clinton chapter of A Better Chance, a non-profit organization that works to help young students of color succeed in high school so that they can attend the college of their choice. 

Brothers estimated that they raised around $1,088 across their efforts. Sophomore and Vice President of Brothers, Fredy Alvarado-Retana, considered their fundraising efforts to have been successful. 

“We brought back a tradition that had died, and I’m glad that everyone who came to our events donated and had fun,” Alvarado-Retana said. “I’m very proud of those who stepped up to help put this event together.”

Brothers hosted several different events throughout the week in order to attract a range of different students. On Tuesday, April 4, the charity week started with a bake sale at the O’Connor Campus Center (Coop). The Brothers raised a large portion of the week’s money with their spread of cookies and muffins.

On Thursday, April 6, Brothers hosted an evening game night at the Edge Café. Pizza and beverages were available to complement a wide variety of activities, from classic board games like Jenga and Connect Four to two-player video games like Mortal Kombat and FIFA. Students also participated in Just Dance together throughout the night. First-year Osvaldo Lopez Carranza attended the event with his friends. 

“I wanted to have fun and be around with other people,” Lopez Carranza said. “It’s a very, very fun vibe, especially the food. This is the main reason why I came.”

Lopez Carranza was also excited to support A Better Chance, whose mission he found resonated with him personally. 

“I came from poverty, I came from a very poor place. Colgate has offered me a lot of financial aid, so I feel like this is something that I relate to,” Lopez Carranza said.

Junior Paul White similarly chose to attend because he was impressed that Brothers chose to raise money for A Better Chance this year, an organization that he finds important.

“I think it’s a really important role, because many people of color are at a disadvantage when it comes to education. Any organizations dedicated to helping promote education, it’s always good,” White said.

Continuing the festivities on Friday, April 7, Brothers held a 3-on-3 basketball tournament in Huntington Gymnasium.  The barbeque kickback on Saturday, April 8, also drew a large crowd to the lawn of La Casa. Brothers served hamburgers, veggie burgers, and hot dogs, and planned for students to participate in casual volleyball and spikeball matches and play card games. 

The week officially ended with a concert by the rapper Lute from J. Cole’s Dreamville Records at the Palace Theater on Saturday night. The event, entirely organized and orchestrated by Brothers, was small and intimate. Students who showed up had the chance to get his autograph and speak with him personally after the performance. First-year Brian Pallares was excited about the experience.

“I got his signature on my wallet, I got to dap him up, it was crazy,” Pallares said. “It was enjoyable because we were like his hype crew. The entire time he was rapping, we were adding along to it, so we had him cheesing like crazy.”

The events also provided Brothers with greater campus exposure for their organization, and Lopez Carranza noted that the event had motivated him to take a more active role in Brothers in the future. 

First-year Abigail McGuire, who had never heard of Brothers before the charity week, was also excited about connecting with the group more.

“I appreciate the opportunities that they brought to Colgate this week,” McGuire said. “The fact that all of the fun I had was for an important cause made it even better. I am definitely looking forward to charity week next year.”