CEO Chapters Give Back

Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization (CEO) chapters are not only dedicated to improving their skills and knowledge in entrepreneurship, they are also involved in local communities and use their entrepreneurial minds to help raise funds for those who are less fortunate and help younger entrepreneurs learn what it takes to start their own business. CEO has over 230 active chapters across North America and has been helping students learn about entrepreneurship since the early 1980's. Several chapters around the country have received media attention for their contributions not only to the business world, but through their generosity and devotion to improving their community. This article highlights just five of the many chapters that help others, these chapters include; Brigham Young University, Bryant University, Illinois State University, Genesee Community College, and the University of Houston.

Illinois State and the University of Houston recently participated in National Lemonade Day, a day dedicated to teaching young children how to start their own lemonade stand while donating some of the proceeds to charity. Lemonade Day is part of a national program organized by Prepared 4 Life. A Houston entrepreneur, Michael Holthouse, started Lemonade Day through Prepared 4 Life which is his non-profit organization. "Prepared 4 Life focuses on building assets in kids by integrating life skills, character education and entrepreneurship with engaging experiential, fun activities."

Genesee Community College recently gave $1,000 to the Genesee Community College Foundation, which will use the money for student scholarships. Genesee Community College's CEO chapter raised the money through various entrepreneurial and creative endeavors. The chapter has sold their Scholars Apple Cider Syrup, Scholars Cram & Crunk Snack Mix, and has organized a "Genesee Chicken Wing Eating Contest".

Brigham Young University has given back through many events over the past few years. Among those events was their popular Rock Paper Scissors contest. In the 2008 Rock Paper Scissor Contest, BYU attracted a world record number of participants with 826 competitors, pending certification from Guinness. A total of $870 was raised for Enterprise Mentors International, an organization that gives mentoring, microfinance, business training, and other services to entrepreneurs in developing nations. Also in 2008, Bryant University's CEO continued its involvement in Pumpkin Fest to raise money for Camp Sunshine, a retreat in Maine for kids with life-threatening illnesses. In eight hours, students carved or painted 350 pumpkins and raised more than $1,100.

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