COVID Opportunity Campaign
Although the Omicron Chapter of Phi Sig entered the COVID-19 era in a position of sound financial health, we have not escaped the challenges of the global pandemic. Our beloved buildings have been unoccupied since MIT instructed students not to return to campus after spring break 2020. MIT has been incredibly gracious by compensating the ILGs for their lost rent / revenue. This assistance has enabled them to pay their bills during this trying time. This generosity is fantastic and deserves appreciation. Unfortunately, also during this time, regular maintenance and repair of our buildings has suffered in the absence of the actives.
While challenges abound, we are focused on what’s ahead, just like the brothers who have, over more than a century, kept our fraternity healthy and viable for future generations. That’s why we have launched Project COVID Opportunity.
Last summer, an Omicron alum made a large donation commitment through the IRDF (where 90% of the funds becomes “earmarked” for Phi Sig alumni association projects). The Phi Sig alumni board ultimately decided to use those funds, plus other IRDF funds (from other Phi Sig alums) and focus our capital campaign on renovations to occur while the actives are not living in the house (spring & summer 2021).
Thus, Project COVID Opportunity was born. The high-level goals of Project COVID Opportunity are two-fold:
First and foremost, COVID Opportunity is about protecting our assets, i.e., critical repair and maintenance to the physical plant of both buildings. Roughly 80% of the budget is in support of this goal.
Second, it is about keeping our active chapter strong, i.e., improvements that help the chapter rush, promote education & brotherhood and generally improve the quality of life of actives (not to mention, adding a couple beds!). This is the remaining 20% of the budget.
The mission is to get the House and Annex in great shape for when the actives return in the Fall 2021 (fingers crossed!).
We have identified several specific areas to address with Project COVID Opportunity:
Annex roof
Rear windows
Flashing & plumbing leaks
Water damage
Mold
Sewer lines
Refinishing floors
Exterior doors
Front vestibule
Railings, ceilings, walls
Dumbwaiter (pending permits)
Various changes to rooms, especially the basement & first floor of the house
Click here to learn more details about Project COVID Opportunity, including cost estimates.
Project COVID Opportunity is a chance for all of us to come together in support of our home during some of the most memorable years of our lives, so that others will have the chance to do the same. If you ever thought that “someday I’ll give to Phi Sig,” there’s no better time than now. Your donation will make a difference immediately and pay dividends over decades.
If you would like to learn more, lend your thoughts or make a contribution, please reach out to ProjectCOVIDOmicron@googlegroups.com.
