When members of Arizona State University’s Alpha Chi Omega sorority were caught on camera snapping picture after picture of themselves during a recent Arizona Diamondbacks game, the women’s seeming disinterest in the baseball being played in front of their faces them was roundly lambasted by on-air announcers Bob Brenly and Steve Berthiaume. Shortly thereafter, video of the incident went viral, and AXΩ immediately became the target of mockery and derision across what seemed like the whole of the internet.
It was Alpha Chi Omega, however, that got the last laugh.
Capitalizing on their fifteen minutes of sorta-fame, the members of AXΩ parlayed the group’s newfound infamy into something much better–a chance to do some real good in the world.
Following the viral spread of their selfie-spree, the sorority was reportedly offered a cache of tickets for the Diamondback’s next game. Rather than accept the offer for themselves, however, the sisters instead asked the team to give the tickets to families being helped by A New Leaf, an Arizona-based advocacy group that works with, among others, victims of domestic violence. They also urged supporters to make a monetary donation to A New Leaf to coincide with Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October.
“We are happy,” wrote the sorority, “to have the opportunity to shed some positive light on such a sensitive subject.”
It’s a message that’s hit home for many. AXΩ’s post has racked up thousands of shares and likes–far more than the sorority’s actual Facebook page, itself.
Wrote one commenter:
As a victim of domestic violence, I am now a strong supporter of all things that empower females of all ages. Reading about how you ladies turned this around in the most beautiful, positive way….it may me tear up. Nice job! It is women like you, and my own wonderful daughter, who give me hope for the future!
[via the hollywood reporter]
