Quinnipiac University’s chapter of Phi Sigma Sigma brought the tradition of eating ballpark franks while watching baseball to Quinnipiac’s fields in honor of a lost sister on Sunday, April 18.

Partnered with Quinnipiac Athletics, the sorority provided a barbecue and a bake sale while the Quinnipiac Baseball team played Long Island University at the Katie Vashon Memorial Baseball Game.

The sisters of Phi Sigma Sigma baked and barbecued for one of their sisters, Katie Vashon, who passed away in 2005 after a brief battle with leukemia.

“We didn’t know Katie, but we still want to support her,” said sophomore Phi Sigma Sigma Philanthropy Co-Chair Amanda Carey.

According to Carey, their efforts raised $1,426.

Katie’s father threw the ceremonial first pitch of the game, with the sisters of Phi Sigma Sigma behind him.

While cheering for the baseball teams, supporters could pay $5 for the barbecue and bake sale, or just baked goods could be purchased by donation.

Raffle tickets were also sold to win a $50 gift card to the bookstore.

The proceeds of the memorial sale are donated each year to Camp Sunshine, located in Casco, Maine.

“That’s what she was passionate about,” Carey said.  “She really enjoyed athletics and supported Camp Sunshine.”

Camp Sunshine is a lakeside camp that provides a haven for terminally ill children and their families completely free of charge.  It is there that families can meet others who might be facing the same challenges they are.

“Our organization is centered around philanthropy,” said sophomore Phi Sigma Sigma member Danielle Cascerceri.  “Since Camp Sunshine was very important to Katie, we really wanted to help.”

“It’s really important for us to keep Katie’s memory alive, and by donating in her name we are able to do this,” said junior Phi Sigma Sigma Philanthropy Co-chair Chelsea LaManna.

Photo credit: Quinnipiac Athletics