Florida Alpha Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon at the University of Florida
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/753624
For Alumni And Friends oF the FloridA AlphA ChApter no. 32 • FAll 2016 university oF FloridA, sigmA phi epsilon inFormAtion www.FlAlphA.org SigEp Gator Heart T iming is everything and unfortunately the timing of our renovation is running parallel to an unprecedented amount of multi-family construction in Gainesville; as a result, construction prices are at all-time highs and unfortunately it is difficult to predict when they will return to normal. The number and quality of new undergraduate brothers has exceeded our expectations, and now they will need a place to live in August 2017. In order to meet that delivery date, we are commencing construction on our smaller renovation. Time is of the essence: if you act now, we will be able to add back in important components of our renovation. Although we have raised over $2 million for the renovation, it was sadly raised from less than 10% of our 2,000 active members. You can change that now by donating. We need to raise an additional $500,000 to add back in these basic renovations below (not an exhaustive list). Without YOUR help, the following vitally needed items will be left out of the renovation plans: • New roof – $80,000 • New and efficient air conditioning – $60,000 • A safer, larger backyard patio – $20,000 • Alumni Room furniture – $15,000 • Better flooring over vinyl floors – $8,199 • Removal of the ugly dining room columns – $6,994 • Restoration of the redwood panels in living room and dining room – $12,000 • Gym equipment set up – $20,000 • State-of-the-art audio/video system for classrooms – $20,000 Adding to the costs of renovation is an absolute need to repair the sinking Alumni Room area and water damage. Over the years, the building has settled and the repair of the area added mega bucks to the renovation costs. Those two issues alone total more than $60,000. If we raise an additional $500,000 in donations and commitments by December 31, 2016, most of the vitally needed upgrades can be included in the renovation. Without additional funds we will end up with a house that essentially only replaced the original mid-19th century mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural components. Using your generous dollars wisely is among our top priorities and we strongly feel the items we've mentioned are necessary. But in order to do those projects, we must have additional funds. YOU can make a difference… but your support is needed NOW. It doesn't matter how big or small, it only matters that you decided to do what you could— everyone can do something, the question is whether you did or didn't do it. Fraternally, Bert Harris '74 President, Florida Alpha Educational Foundation bert@heartlandlaw.com Bryson Ridgway '05 President, Alumni and Volunteer Corporation bryson.ridgway@gmail.com Fraternity House Renovation Plans Hit Major Snag moment of truth [mo-ment ov truth] 1. stage in a sequence of events at which the trend of all future events, especially for better or for worse, is determined; turning point. Brothers, we have a serious challenge… market increases in construction costs have forced significant reduction in the scope of the renovation of our Fraternity House. Campaign Status by the Numbers As of November 11, 2016 $3.3 Million Fundraising Goal $2,183,191 Amount Pledged $1,956,881 Amount Received 231 Donors