Paying Tribute to an Icon
GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT. In the Fall of 2010, the alumni of Sigma Phi Epsilon Penn launched a new campaign to develop a retirement fund for Jack Shores, the chapter’s cook of 45 years. Over the next six months, participation in the annual fund nearly doubled. More importantly for Jack and his family, contributions increased by 398%—bringing in more than $37K in the first six months of the campaign. Unfortunately, for the brothers of SigEp, they were unable to deliver the entire gift directly to their friend.
A VERY MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIP. Having cooked for SigEps for 45 years, Jack Shores was a legend in the house—considered by many to be the common link of brotherhood from year to year and decade to decade. He was known for playing pool, listening to Jazz, teaching tolerance, and practicing brotherly love. He was described as “our constant, our North Star—helping us navigate college and beyond.” Jack Shores was so beloved that, in 1977, he was initiated as an official brother of SigEp. In 2010, the brotherhood decided it was time to give back to Jack just as he had given to them for years. The brothers made plans to create a retirement fund so that Jack and his family would have security whenever Jack wanted to retire.
In September 2010, with the help of Affinity Connection, Jack’s Fund was launched with a kick-off appeal, eLetter and website update. Donations poured in immediately. Using a multi-channel approach, alums were encouraged to submit their favorite “Jack” memory along with their donation. Submissions to the alumni forum grew ten-fold, indicating that the appeal had touched the hearts of many alum—in ways no other appeal had to-date.
IN MEMORY OF. Shortly after the launch of the campaign, a well- known SigEp alum, Adam Glueck, died in a tragic accident in Brazil. The brothers knew that Adam cared deeply about Jack, so they again encouraged alums to give to Jack’s Fund—this time in memory of Adam. The outpouring of emotion and support just continued to build.
In January 2011, Jack Shores unexpectedly passed away in his sleep. Obviously, the brotherhood was deeply shaken. Despite their collective grief, they had a renewed commitment to care for Jack’s family. Not only did the brothers agree to pay for Jack’s funeral, but as originally planned, funds would continue be given to support Lu, Jack’s wife, in her remaining years. Since Jack’s death, the brotherhood has announced plans for a new initiative to develop a memorial for Jack at the fraternity’s house in the coming months.
A GENUINE REASON GIVE. People seek meaning in their lives. They want a reason to engage, to connect with others, and to give back. For the brothers of SigEp, Jack Shores was that higher cause. Jack’s Fund was successful quite simply because the campaign had a strong philanthropic value proposition: to support a man who profoundly impacted the lives of so many brothers. For SigEp Penn, the brothers reunited to pay tribute to an icon who had always given more than he had received.