Beta Theta Pi hosts Mental Health Gala for charity

ADDY PITTENGER, Staff Writer—

Friday night at Moon Hall (the Moonies) saw fraternity Beta Theta Pi hold their big philanthropy event: The Mental Health Gala which worked to raise money for Mental Health of America of Licking County.

Beta’s current philanthropy chair, sophomore Mike Maynard ‘24, stated that this event has been an idea since last spring when fellow member, Daniel Seely ‘23, brought the idea up for their big fall philanthropy event. Once Maynard was elected philanthropy chair, he gladly took over the process of pulling the event together with the assistance of Beta members Worth Hinshaw ‘24, Elliot Hoinville ‘22, William Kelsey ‘23 and Parker Smith ‘24.

“I really wanted the event to be local,” Maynard said. “I came across M.H.A. [Mental Health of America], and they promoted a lot of good things such as suicide preventions and education for youth, something I really admire. That’s not something that was well talked about in my time in public schooling. To be able to support something like that is really important to me.”

One of the featured speakers was Darlene Compton, the Associative Director of Counseling Services at Whisler Hall for eight years now. With a background in children and family trauma as well as working with topics such as child abuse and neglect, she provided advice and tips for prevention of mental illness emphasizing the importance of self-care and connection with one’s community. 

“We all need connection,” she said. “Think about yourself and the community. That is, regularly get outside. Nature can be therapeutic.”

While providing a list of areas around campus for relaxation (other than individual counseling at Whisler) such as the Bio Reserve and Sugar Loaf Park, Compton also gave insight into what is expected at the new Wellness Center. She mentioned rooms and areas dedicated to quiet spaces, an updated staff, more mental exercise options and many more resources. 

Sophomore Beta member, Worth Hinshaw, arranged another guest speaker from a non profitable organization, Mission 34, which honors former Denison baseball player, Sean P. Bonner Jr., who unfortunately took his life in 2018. 

Sean Bonner Sr., his father whom he was named after, sent in a last minute pre-recorded speech for the Gala in order to bring awareness to Mission 34 and its goal of eliminating the stigma surrounding mental illness. “They are more present on campus with the connections to it,” says Maynard. “It was very important to get them and we were very lucky to do so.”

When asked why he believes mental health is an important topic to be discussed amongst college students, Maynard responded, “We went through a Pandemic, and I think that really took a toll on us as students and our daily lives and how we go about that. Certain anxieties and dealing with depression just kind of brought all these new challenges.”

The turnout at the Gala was quite impressive, with around 72 students in attendance, as well as the members of Beta Theta Pi themselves. “We exceeded our goal of raising $1,000 by raising $1,095,” said Maynard. 

“I think people were really satisfied with the event. It’s something I’m really proud of for it being the first time Beta has ever done something like this. I was informed by people about how much this event meant to them, and the fact that I’m able to make an  impact on somebody’s life like that in a special way really makes me feel good.”

On whole, philanthropy is a worthy way to establish the reputation of Greek life on campus. Building up a strong relationship with campus by addressing these serious issues is a step towards improving the dynamic at Denison.

The chapter looks forward to potentially hosting a mental health gala every year, as their annual large-scale fall philanthropy event, following the big success of Friday. “It’s something that we can improve at and do it yearly. That’s what we’re hoping for,” Maynard says.