AKPsi and Morgans Message host pieing fundraisers

Photo of Jenna Garvey, Madison Gamberg, and Matthew Murphy courtesy of Abigail Cornelius.

On Friday, Apr. 12, 2024, two separate organizations held fundraisers for their respective charities. Alpha Kappa Psi (AKPsi) and Morgan’s Message both raised money by letting students pie members in the MacVittie College Union. Pieing has been a popular fundraising option for organizations at Geneseo for years, but the intriguing aspect of these pieing events, specifically, was that they occurred at the same place and at the same time.   

I first spoke to former AKPsi community service chair, senior business major Matthew Murphy, who is currently being trained as a secretary for next year. AKPsi does various community service events throughout the year with this event helping to raise money for a local food pantry. Murphy explains “I thought it was a good opportunity for people to come up and get some maybe anger out and use it as a good cause.” He goes on, “I know a lot of my friends wouldn't have made the journey over here so I figured I'd give them something to come out for.” 

Murphy states that pieing other students for charity is out of the ordinary but goes on to explain why he believes it works as a fundraising tool. “I think it attracts people's attention, it's just funny and something that you don't get to do often, and to get to do it to a bunch of random people and help out an organization all at the same time. It's perfect.” 

In regards to Morgan's Message holding a pieing fundraiser, Murphy is not bothered by the twin events, claiming it is just a coincidence, “I don't think it was a planned event or anything like that, they just happened at the same time. It works out for both of us!”

Murphy states the event is a good chance to give back to the community, “In Geneseo and where I grew up, the community was so involved with the school and it almost felt like you always had support. It is great to give back to the community as much as possible.”

Murphy ended the conversation with an invitation to join AKPsi, stating, “We're the oldest business fraternity in the world. We're open to all majors. So if you’ve heard of AKPsi or are looking to advance yourself professionally, come out and give us a try. We're in the middle of our events right now for the semester, but we start at the beginning of every semester and look forward to recruits.” 

I met with the president of Morgan’s Message, Madison Gamberg, afterward to discuss their efforts to raise money for their organization. Gamberg stated, “I'm an ambassador of this program, which means I can host meetings, give people resources, and relay the message to the rest of my athletics department.” Morgan's Message is a foundation that was created after the passing of Morgan Rogers. Gamberg explains “She was a player on the Duke women's lacrosse team. She wound up taking her own life back in 2019. [Morgan’s] parents and her friends and family founded this foundation which advocates for athletes and offers mental health resources.” 

Gamberg explains “Right now we are raising money for an Out of the Darkness walk that is taking place at St. John Fisher on Apr. 14.” Gamberg states that ‘pieing for purpose’ has been a long-awaited fundraiser. “It's something we've been wanting to do for a while. We have a bunch of men's swim, women's swim, [and] women's volleyball here, out supporting.” Gamberg explained the fun and messy event was a good opportunity for athletes to relax, “I think all athletes deserve to, you know, have fun and get pied on a Friday!”

When asked if Gamberg was bothered by the coincidence she stated “Not at all!” Gamberg goes on to explain “I saw that when I walked in and it was awesome seeing other organizations are also taking this idea. I took this idea from other organizations and thought it was great.”

It is impressive to see organizations come up with creative ways to help, not only their on-campus communities but also the off-campus communities, as well. It is equally impressive to see organizations share the spotlight with another group in hopes of raising awareness and giving back.