Alpha Sigma Phi hosted its first-ever balloon release for sexual assault awareness at Manchester Field on Friday.

The event was planned in honor of Hazing, Prevention and Sexual Assault Awareness Week at Kent State’s main campus.

“We exceeded our goal of $500,” said Nicholas Potts, the scholarship director for Alpha Sigma Phi. “The most important goal, however, is changing just one person’s life. We hope that this philanthropy has helped at least one person out there.”

The hour-long event sold green balloons that supported Green Dot — a national violence prevention program — and students released them in honor of sexual assault victims. T-shirts were also available for purchase.

The fraternity’s first philanthropy event of the year raised $726 for the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN), the largest nonprofit, anti-sexual assault organization in America.

Approximately 80 people participated in the event.

Members of the fraternity, including Potts, Director of Philanthropy Andy Griffin and senior educational studies major Michael Cockrell, began planning the event in early August.

“All it takes is one moment in time to alter someone’s entire life,” Potts said. “Sexual assault is an under-looked issue that affects millions of lives and families.”

The fraternity plans to make the balloon release a tradition during Hazing Prevention Week on campus.

Hannah Kelley is a Dean of Student Affairs and Greek Life reporter. Contact her at [email protected].