Paul Giemza, Staff Writer 

While many people believe that fraternities are founded on parties, Appalachian State’s Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity was founded on virtue, diligence, and brotherly love. 

On Sunday, the fraternity demonstrated all three characteristics at their second annual charity golf tournament, “A Hit for the Heart,” at the Boone Golf club. 

Last year, in the inaugural tournament, over 80 participants braved the cold rain and poor playing conditions to raise $1,500. 
 
This year, the tournament consisted of 97 players and raised close to $3,000 for the fight against cancer. 

“The tournament did even better than we thought,” said junior Will Vick. 

“The weather was perfect,” he said. 

The tournament was created and organized by junior Mike Shook last year of Sigma Phi Epsilon. Shook organized this year’s tournament as well, but admitted that the tournament required an effort from every member of the fraternity. 
 
Each year, the fraternity hopes to double the amount raised from the previous year. 

“Cancer affects 100 percent of the population in some way or another during their lifetime,” Shook said. “This is why the tournament has meaning.” 

Besides willing participants, sponsorship was key in the success of the tournament. 

“It takes roughly $7,000 just to get this thing started, and $10,000 to reach our $3,000 donation goal,”  Shook said. 

Sponsors came from near and far, from Boone to Atlanta and included among others:  Phil’s Citgo, Strategic Technologies Inc., Glaxo Welcome, The Warehouse, Durango Bagel, Wal-mart, Bojangle’s, Pollard Lumber Co. and Owsley and Sons Inc. 

These sponsors were recognized at a banquet that followed the tournament, and the fraternity gave away over 60 door prizes. 

The tournament’s proceeds were donated to The V Foundation, a foundation created in 1993 by the former N.C. State basketball Coach Jim Valvano with the help of ESPN. 

Valvano lost his life to cancer, and the foundation is now being run by his wife and daughters. 
 
The V Foundation board of directors consists of such notable people as actor Bill Cosby, Duke basketball Coach Mike Kryzewski, sports analyst Leslie Visser and college basketball commentator Dick Vitale.