Porphura Ball

For the past six years, Sigma Phi Epsilon has hosted the Porphura ball fundraiser in order to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities. This semi-formal event is held at the McNamara Alumni Center on the Twin Cities Campus of the University of Minnesota and features a presentation highlighting the important work BBBS does, the opportunity to apply to become a Big brother or big sister, silent and live auctions, appetizers, and a cash bar. Over the past five years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities has received in total more than $90,000 from this event, including over $33,000 this past fall, making SigEp the highest fundraising fraternity on campus. This year, we are looking to raise the bar by hitting $37,000.  The Porphura Ball attracts more than 500 attendees, over half of them being students and the remainder being composed of parents, alumni and local supporters. All net proceeds are donated to Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities.

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation 

One of the main pillars of SigEp MN Alpha’s existence is community involvement. Much of the success the fraternity has recently experienced spurred from the brothers' ability to bridge philanthropy and the personal experiences of the members to support a greater cause. In the past four years, the brothers have stepped up and supported a cause near and dear to the fraternity. In February of 2020, with the help of senior Justin Norby, approximately 150 climbed the steps of the IDS tower for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The importance of this event was indescribable for the men of SigEp as they were able to support one of their own brothers, Max Norby, who has Cystic Fibrosis. As a result of the great turnout, a portable speaker, and a high energy level, the brothers of SigEp were energized to find more ways to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.  The members paved the way this past semester for future members to support an incredible cause.