The Theta Sigma Chapter of the Sigma Chi fraternity at Cal Poly Pomona has announced that it raised more than $103,000 for the Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) at the University of Utah, marking the second year in a row the chapter's philanthropic efforts have raised more than $100,000.

"Sigma Chi has a goal to raise $20 million to help fund the new Kathryn F. Kirk Center for Comprehensive Cancer Care and Women's Cancers," said Jerry Nelson, director of Sigma Chi alumni giving and special projects at the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. "The amount of funding raised by the CPP chapter is absolutely amazing and places it as one of the top chapters in Sigma Chi history to have ever reached this goal and the first to do so in consecutive years.

"Most chapters raise these funds throughout the year, and these ladies and gentlemen did it in a week."

The Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) is an NCI-designated cancer research facility and hospital located in Salt Lake City, Utah. Scientists at the institute aim to understand cancer at a molecular and genetic level and strive to find new and more effective ways to treat this disease. A treatment approach based on genetic knowledge allows for more targeted, individualized cancer therapies.

The American Cancer Society reported in 2019 that approximately 39 out of 100 men and 38 out of 100 women will develop cancer during their lifetime in the U.S.

"We are extremely humbled by the amount of generosity shown by all donors," said Cole Gerber, president of Theta Sigma. "We did something truly special, and I really cannot put into words how thankful we are. We want to be the generation to end cancer. Every dollar raised helps us to reach that goal and save the amazing women in our lives."

Said Ryan Rogers, chapter advisor, "Cancer does not stop during a pandemic. In these extraordinary and somewhat difficult times, it's awesome to see that the heart of giving still exists. The leadership required to raise $103,000 in five days is something the men of the Theta Sigma Chapter should be very proud of."

"We could not have achieved this without the extraordinary digital outreach and support of the sororities, family members and alumni of this chapter," said Andrew Alamo, philanthropy chairman. "Our fantastic sororities alone raised enough to sponsor at least two clinical trials. We are not done yet. We have a goal of raising $150,000 by June 1."

Sigma Chi is encouraging others in the community to help be the generation to end cancer by making a donation.