Beta Alpha Psi’s barbecue ribs cookout, held Oct. 18, was an immense success and raised more than $800 for Hand in Hand for Haiti, a charity that supports a school in Haiti that was founded by 1978 Niagara University alumnus Ed Brennan. Hand in Hand for Haiti has built and runs a school for children in need in Haiti.

Beta Alpha Psi is the international honor society for accounting, finance and information systems majors. The fundraiser was made possible by the combined efforts of Beta Alpha Psi members, especially Rodney Walker, an accounting student, Beta Alpha Psi pledge, chef, and veteran. His talent as a chef and countless hours put into the event were key to its success. Niagara University’s Lambda Chi chapter of Beta Alpha Psi has also received help from Campus Activities, Metz Culinary Management at Niagara University, and the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management. Without their effort, the event would not have been possible.  

This fundraiser concluded a multi-year fundraising effort by Beta Alpha Psi in raising money to support Hand in Hand for Haiti. In total, Niagara’s BAP chapter has raised $5,000 from various fundraising activities, including the cookout, numerous bake sales, bottle and can redemptions, and help from local business, such as Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, Niagara’s Honeymoon Sweets chocolate shop, Agnello Art Gallery, and a contribution by a generous anonymous donor.

More than 40 unsold barbecue meals from the event were donated to the Community Missions of Niagara Frontier.

Dr. Hai Ta, assistant professor of accounting and BAP moderator, congratulated the many students involved in the fundraising activities.

“Niagara University is a strong supporter of Hand in Hand for Haiti, and our BAP chapter is very proud to have played a part in helping this exceptional example of the Vincentian mission in action,” he said.

To learn more about Niagara University’s accounting program, please visit www.niagara.edu/accounting