Alpha Tau Omega - University of Florida

University of Florida p. 3 www.ufato.org I n the spring of 2014, Alpha Omega Brothers rallied around then-Worthy Master Brody Dawkins '11 in one of the most challenging chapters of his family's life during the intensive treatment efforts that accompanied traumatic injuries suffered by his beloved younger sister, Brooke (19). Brooke experienced complete and tragic loss of brain function, which ultimately claimed her life far too soon. From those dark hours, Chapter members followed the Dawkins family's initiatives formed in Brooke's memory, notably the BrookeStrong Foundation, and earlier this year, launched the Chapter's newest philanthropic event, which honors the memory of Brooke and the inspiring cause which, despite her passing, secured her legacy of life. Taug of War, an Alpha Omegan spin on the traditional tug of war concept, benefits the BrookeStrong Foundation, which is focused on giving life to others, as Brooke did, through increasing registrations for organ donation. On February 12, Brothers of Alpha Omega rallied more than 20 fraternity and sorority chapters across the University of Florida's Greek community to compete in a day of tug of war challenges. Teams representing the participating chapters pulled for life in support of organ donation, and altogether, raised more than $12,000 in this inaugural hosting of the Taug of War philanthropic event. "We are so honored that the ATW family chose our BrookeStrong Foundation for the Taug of War fundraiser," said Chris and Laura Dawkins, parents of the late Brooke Dawkins. "Spreading the word about the importance of registering to be an organ donor will help save countless lives as at any given point, there are over 123,000 people in need of a life-saving organ transplant." When tragedy struck Brooke in March 2014, she had already registered her commitment as an organ donor, and her family honored her wish. Through the coordinated efforts of doctors, nurses, Translife Organ and Tissue Donation Services, and the love of God, Brooke's donation of her heart, liver, kidneys, pancreas, and both corneas have given others the gift of life and sight. "In supporting a cause very dear to me and my family, the ATW Chapter showed that our love and sense of brotherhood endures beyond graduation," said Brody. "I am beyond grateful that the Chapter chose to honor my sister and my family with this event." Based on the remarkable response and success of this inaugural event, the Chapter plans to continue the Taug of War event in future years and expand opportunities to promote the purposes and opportunities for organ donation throughout the University of Florida community. According to data cited by the BrookeStrong Foundation, more than 123,000 children and adults await life-saving transplants today, Taug of War Philanthropy Pulls for a Cause Close to Chapter's Heart Brothers Inspired to Support Foundation in Memory of Beloved Sister of Brody Dawkins '11 Left: Two sorority teams compete in a fierce tug of war match during the inaugural Taug of War philanthropy event, which raised more than $12,000 to support the mission of the BrookeStrong Foundation. Right: Sisters from Delta Gamma celebrate as the winners of Taug of War on February 12. Brooke Dawkins' Organ Donations Touched Many Lives Heart Mother of four and grandmother of two Pancreas Woman Kidneys (2) Woman and unidentified second recipient Liver Husband and father of 11-year-old daughter Corneas (2) 75-year-old man and 74-year-old woman in Central Florida including more than 5,500 people in Florida that are registered on the transplant waiting list. For more information on organ donation or to learn how you can support this cause, please visit www.brookestrong.org. Show your support today using #BrookeStrong and stay tuned for updates on the next Taug of War event in 2018. "In supporting a cause very dear to me and my family, the ATW Chapter showed that our love and sense of brotherhood endures beyond graduation. I am beyond grateful that the Chapter chose to honor my sister and my family with this event." – Brody Dawkins '11

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