On October 28 and 29, the brothers of Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi), Dickinson’s newest fraternity, ran their second annual fundraiser for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, a nonprofit launched in 2008 that supports research and treatments for childhood cancer.
Childhood cancer remains the leading disease-related cause of death for kids, and many survivors face long-term, debilitating side effects—facts that motivated the chapter’s continued support.
Last year AEPi raised $1,400, with every dollar going directly to the charity. This year the chapter decided to split its efforts across two events, holding a fall fundraiser with a modest $500 minimum goal and planning a second drive in the spring with the hope that the two together would surpass last year’s total. Instead, Dickinson donors poured in so generously that the brothers raised more than $1,300, nearly matching last year’s total in just their first event.
AEPi Vice President Nathan Pokov ’27 described how the chapter became involved with the organization.
“Our involvement with Cookies for Kids’ Cancer began last year when recent graduate Sam Rosenberg suggested we take part,” he said. “He had worked with them before and thought we could build a strong partnership with our chapter at Dickinson. It’s been great to see that a year later we’re still working hand in hand to make a difference.”
Pokov called the result “above and beyond” his expectations and credited both the brothers and campus supporters. “I’m not only delighted with the results, but I am extremely proud to be part of a fraternity that actively strives to help those in need. Apart from the effort from the brothers, I was extremely pleased with the support and awareness we saw from donors and countless friends who stopped by to support the cause, which was really great to see.”
AEPi House Manager Judah Schwartz ’28 emphasized the generosity that made the event possible.
“The OXO company was incredibly generous in matching every dollar we raised,” he said. “Support from partners like OXO and from people who genuinely want to make a difference is what helps us to turn our efforts into real impact.”
AEPi Sentinel Andrew Russell ’26 touched on the broader mission behind the cause. “Cookies for Kids’ Cancer has raised over twenty million dollars and funded hundreds of research grants across all fifty states, and we’re proud to contribute to that effort,” he said.
Russell, who also serves as Philanthropy Chair, reflected on the teamwork that made the fundraiser a success. “I focused mostly on logistics (ordering supplies and coordinating with Cookies for Kids’ Cancer), but none of it would have been possible without my brothers,” he said. “Everyone stepped up—handling advertising, managing finances, and spending hours at the table.”
Pokov also highlighted the teamwork behind the bake sale. “We worked tirelessly as a group to bake cookies alongside the donated cookies from Cookies for Kids’ Cancer,” he said. “Everyone did their part, and we could not have done this without the support of my brothers. Fundraisers like this really bring people together, and I certainly felt it strengthened our bond as a frat.”
Although AEPi is a newly established chapter on campus, the brothers are eager to make an immediate impact. Russell noted an upcoming fundraiser on November 9, during which “some of the brothers will be heading to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Mechanicsburg to volunteer with Catholic Charities Immigration and Refugee Services, thanks to the ChangeMakers Club and MECA!”
Additionally, Pokov shared, “We are excited to partner with Pi Beta Phi for the second straight year for our Gift of Life Bone Marrow Registry fundraiser on November 11 and 12. We’re proud to work with them and hope to collaborate with other fraternities and sororities on campus going forward in hopes of making a difference.”
Looking ahead, AEPi plans to continue building on this momentum. “We are currently in the planning process for a trip to the children’s hospital, a partnership with the animal shelter, and several other ventures we hope to begin in the near future,” Pokov said. “This organization has been philanthropy-heavy since our establishment. We’re proud of what we’ve done so far, but we’re not satisfied. We want to keep launching positive projects. There are no limits for this group, and we are constantly looking for new ways to expand our philanthropy mission.”
