Mac McKenzie, a senior brother of Texas Rho studying communications with a minor in energy management, currently serves as the Eminent Archon and recently helped oversee a successful philanthropy event. This fall, under his leadership, the brothers of SAE Texas Rho joined forces with Fiji at UT to create a philanthropy event with a deeper purpose. In the wake of the July 4th Central Texas Flooding, which left their community with tremendous loss, the two chapters partnered to host a pickleball tournament that would bring people together for both fun and healing.
The idea sparked in early August, when SAE’s treasurer, Ray Saalfield, and other chapter members began brainstorming ways to support the community. “Our goal was to provide a fun, community-oriented event that got people together to celebrate a great cause,” Mac explained. Sponsors quickly stepped up, with H-E-B, already prominent in flood relief efforts, donating BBQ to help make the day possible.
The results spoke volumes: the chapters raised an impressive $15,000. “It was quite simple, really,” he said. “We created a GoFundMe and sent it around on social media and other platforms. We did not have a specific fundraising strategy; our belief all along was that we were going to get to the goal of $15,000. We believed that because of how strong and united our community is.”
The proceeds went directly to the Katherine Ferruzzo Legacy Foundation and the Jenna Lacy Burgess Trust, two organizations tied closely to members of the fraternity. “Both the Katherine Feruzzo Legacy Foundation and the Jenna Lacy Burgess Trust hold special places at 2414 Pearl Street. Katherine Feruzzo is the younger sister of Jack Feruzzo, who was the Eminent Archon in 2023, and Vincent Feruzzo, who is a current active member at SAE Texas Rho. Jenna Lacy Burgess is a cousin of the current active Kellis Green. During the July 4th floods, she lost her Dad, Mother, and two siblings. Supporting these organizations means the world to our chapter; these two families have given so much to us. So, for us to offer just a little bit of help in a time of dire need was really a no-brainer,” Mac shared.
When reflecting on the day, what stood out most wasn’t just the dollars raised, but the connections made. “The most memorable part of the event was the conversations I had with people I didn’t really know, whether it was with the Fiji chapter, various girls/guys not affiliated with SAE. Everyone was there to support a common cause, and Greek affiliation aside, it was memorable to see the turnout and support from our campus.”
Looking back, the event left a lasting impact not only on SAE but also on the larger campus community. “This event was special because it shed positive light on a very tragic event. Seeing and hearing the response from our event was special, and hopefully the first tournament of many to come!”