Othello Food Bank receives Xi Beta Xi fundraiser donation

OTHELLO — The Xi Beta Xi chapter of Beta Sigma Phi in Othello presented the Othello Food Bank with $2,656 from their annual silent auction fundraiser.

The fundraiser, held on Tuesday, Oct. 8, has been going on for ten years.

“We had decided years ago it would be a good service project for the Othello community,” said Linda Brady, one of the members of the group.

The silent auction fundraiser is held on the second Tuesday of October. In past years, they have raised between $1,500 and $2,500 for the food bank. This year’s collection has been their highest amount raised.

“We have had better participation every year,” Brady said. I think it is because we have had it for a few years now at the same time and place – on the second Tuesday of October at the Othello Eagles Aerie 3396. And we have advertised better throughout the years. We were so excited and the food bank was ecstatic.”

The money donated will be used to buy canned goods and staple foods for those in need in the Othello area.

Each year, Xi Beta Xi sells Christmas wreaths from September to the beginning of November. Part of the money will help fund a scholarship for an Othello High School student. The rest of the proceeds fund the general operations of the group. The scholarship is done in conjunction with the three other Beta Sigma Phi groups in Othello.

“Beta Sigma Phi is a non academic sorority with chapters around the world,” Brady said. “It is primarily a social and cultural organization that incorporates service as part of its activities.”

Currently, Xi Beta Xi has around 15 members.

For more information about how to purchase a wreath, call Brady at (509) 750-2439. The final deadline to purchase is Friday, Nov. 8.

Rachal Pinkerton may be used via email at rpinkerton@suntribunenews.com.