Beta Chapter (Indiana) Raises $20,000 to Honor Brother

Beta Chapter at Indiana University, raised $20,000 in honor of one of their brothers, Nic ‘Tex’ Smith, who lost his life to suicide. Since the loss of Smith in January 2017, Beta Chapter has hosted a barbeque called Tex’s BBQ each semester to raise money and bring awareness to mental health. 

The goals of Tex’s BBQ are:

1. Combat the stigma against seeking help on the Indiana University campus
2. Increase access to students by subsidizing counseling and programs
3. Find creative ways to help students live a healthy and happy life while they attend Indiana University 

With the $20,000 raised from the event, Beta Chapter was able to donate $13,000 to the counseling service on campus, IU CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services), and $7,000 to IU SACS (Sexual Assault Crisis Service).

In 2017, Beta Chapter raised $9,000, then went on to raise $10,000 in 2018 and has now doubled that during the 2019 event at $20,000.

Smith was called ‘Tex’ by his friends because he was from Dallas, Texas. His brothers described Smith as “loud, energetic, and the kindest guy you’ll ever meet.” 

If your chapter has a story to share, contact the Executive Office at emerald@sigmapi.org.