Every year, since 2002, all chapters of Zeta Beta Tau (ZBT) begin the fall semester off by rolling an oversized beach ball throughout their school, neighborhood, and community. This is a weeklong event from Sept. 6 to 11.

ZBT philanthropy chair, Christopher Hosea said the goal is to get as many signatures as possible to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network.

The philanthropy, held by ZBT, is called “Get on the Ball.” Members from ZBT get sponsors to donate one penny to a dollar for each signature that gets on the ball, Hosea said.

All of the proceeds raised by CSUN’s chapter will go to the children’s hospitals in the Los Angeles region, Hosea added. The money raised helps to provide care for children with no health care.

It also supplements any program the children may be under, he said.

Justin Lunsford, the ZBT public relations chair, said he and the rest of his ZBT brothers are enthusiastic for the cause, and the unique way of promoting it.

“It pays for programs not only for the hospital but for their life,” Lunsford said.

Last year ZBT managed to get nearly 2,200 signatures, which allowed them to raise fifteen thousand dollars, Hosea said. He added that this year the goal is to get four thousand signatures.

“Rolling around this huge ball is a fun way to get people to participate, I felt like Indiana Jones at one point,” Hosea said. “We will be rolling the ball down Reseda and around campus to A.S, groups and organizations, and faculty.”

Members of ZBT said they find it fulfilling to help children out that may have cancer or other kinds of illnesses. Some believe it is a great opportunity to give these children a chance to have a regular life.

“There is a lot of opportunity to help other people, and in the long run it’s helping yourself, it’s making you a better person,” Lunsford said.

The Children’s Miracle Network provides charity care worth billions of dollars. As of 2008, the Children’s Miracle Network has raised $3.4 billion dollars, according to their website.

There are many ways to get involved with this organization, Hosea said.  ZBT conducts thousands of special events and fund-raisers each year.

The men of ZBT said they take pride in their philanthropy’s as well as in the fraternity.

“I wanted to join because I wanted to be a part of something bigger, I wanted to join something that has opportunity to grow,” Lunsford said.

Hosea said he joined for a different reason.

“I joined ZBT because they cared,” he said.  “They weren’t the stereotypical fraternity. I wanted to be set apart, and they’re just a great group of guys.”

Along with their Children’s Miracle network philanthropy they have many others that support the community and help others in need.

Hosea said they have a powder puff football event and an event called Penny Mile, which is when ZBT gets people to give spare change for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

Hosea said ZBT strives to make a difference with these philanthropies along with a few more throughout the year. He added ZBT wants to make difference one philanthropy at a time.

“We need as many signatures as possible, Come by say hi and give us a signature,” Hosea said.