Fraternity raises money for students with disabilities

Two University of North Georgia (UNG) students participated in a unique opportunity through Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity’s national philanthropy, The Ability Experience, in summer 2019.

Jeffrey Michaud and Adam Brown participated in Journey of Hope, which is one of three programs in The Ability Experience. With the program, students bike across America to raise awareness and funds for people with disabilities. They raised a combined $4,888 through their efforts with the program.

Michaud and Brown were chosen to be project managers for their teams, which meant that they had to take on major responsibilities such as budgeting and scheduling.

“UNG equipped me with the leadership ability to be successful in my position," Michaud said. "I had to make a lot of decisions on the trip as the project manager of the North team. I was in charge of the overall budget of the team. Being an accounting major, my professors prepared me throughout my years of accounting courses to manage a real budget. I am proud to say my team went under budget."

Per the organization website, the goal of the program is to develop the men of Pi Kappa Phi into strong servant leaders. Students participating in the program frequently stop at community sponsors for friendship visits. At these visits, cyclists connect and play games with the people for whom they are cycling.

Nationally, The Ability Experience is expected to raise more than $827,000 for people with disabilities this year.