June 26, 2006 Queens, New York- On Saturday, June 24, 2006 the ladies of Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc. (SIA) joined Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (OPBSI) and Sigma Lambda Gamma Sorority, Inc (SLG) in its 3rd Annual Fundraiser to benefit St Jude's Children Hospital.

In total the organizations raised an estimated $4000 for St. Jude's, with SIA contributing $845 of that total. The event was held at PLAY Lounge in Queens, New York in which Pool and Bowling activities were provided to participants. St. Jude's is the official philanthropy for the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO) the umbrella group from the coordinating sororities.

"I was impressed with the amount of NALFO representation," said Bethania Diaz, member of SIA and one of the coordinators of the event, "most importantly [we're here] united for a common goal: St. Jude's."

The event started with a few words from the coordinating sororities as well as a representative of St. Jude's. The event was culminated in a Pool Tournament among eight NALFO organization, with SIA ultimately taking the grand prize. In the first round SIA went against the ladies of SLG followed by the second round where they defeated the gentlemen of Lambda Sigma Upsilon. In the final found, SIA faced La Unidad Latina Lambda Upsilon Lambda (LUL).

One of the team members, Karen Pedrosa, of the Adelphi University Chapter, was impressed with the event as whole. "I think it was a great event for a great charity, bringing all these Greeks together in a laid back and social scene outside of the party scene" said Pedrosa, "And it was great to see so many sisters at a national community Service."

PLAY was full to capacity with members from all organization, but the SIA cry vibrated through the building at the announcement of their Pool victory. Over in bowling, Leya Rivera, a sister from SUNY Stoneybrook chapter, was enjoying the camaraderie with her sisters and amongst the different organizations "I love it, its beneficial and its a good excuse to get together" said Rivera, "we are all NALFO and just because your not in the same organization, it doesn't mean you can't get to know that person"

As the night came to an end, Rosa Ramos, representing the National Executive Board of SIA, reflected upon the success of the event for St. Jude's and SIA, "I think it was such a success for the children, and its always exciting to see so many of sisters from so many regions supporting NALFO."

About Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc.
Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc. (SIA) was founded on September 29, 1990 by a diverse group of women with the goal of creating an organization that would help their communities, unite women, and uphold a set of distinct goals. Its dedication to scholarship, service and professional development within the Latino community has grown beyond New York, with chapters in several states including: New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, California, Texas, Illinois, Maryland and Virginia.

SIA is more than a sorority; we are a family and network of professional, strong and dedicated women leaders. We are also a 501(c)7 tax-exempt organization and we work in conjunction with the Solidaridad Inspiración Amistad Community Foundation, Inc.- a 501(c)3 Community Foundation committed to scholarship, service and professional development within Latino communities nationally.

About St. Jude's Children Hospital
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. No family ever pays for treatments not covered by insurance, and families without insurance are never asked to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fund-raising organization.

Contact:
Helen D. Torres, Director of Communications
Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc.
917-446-7013
communications@hermandad-sia.org
www.hermandad-sia.org