Recently, I participated in my fraternities 24 biking marathon in order to raise money for our national philanthropy, the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. The way we do this event is we set up a stationary bike in the middle of campus and for 24 we simply ride.

We do this event twice a year, and both times this year I decided to take the graveyard shift. Personally I find this to be the most fun. Reason being is that from the hours of 12-8 AM you’re with your friends and you can joke around, and everything is good. Nothing else really matters and you can forget about things for a few hours and it really is super nice. You can also really appreciate nature at night. You can hear everything, see the stars and everything in between.

My fraternity also does a lot of other community service events throughout the year. Most of the philanthropy that we do if for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society but we also do work for other organizations as well.

There really is a merit to doing these type of events. If really does make you feel good and it gives back. People tell me all the time that they do not have the time to volunteer or give their time for anything. It is true that time is money but there is always someone or something that is in need. Sparing even 20 minutes can make all the difference in the world.

The way that I see it is that somewhere in some remote place there is a person that could use a helping hand. I might never know this person, I might never know their story but that doesn’t matter to me. The fact is they need the help and I am willing to give it, indirectly.

This is why I continue to do philanthropy events and will continue to do them in the future. I can sleep better at night knowing that I helped someone, somewhere. I would recommend to everyone that at some point that they should be doing a philanthropy event. It does not have to be like our bike marathon but something that can give back to the community. If you can’t give back monetarily then give some of your time. See the old folks at the home or volunteer at a dog shelter, you won’t regret it.