FarmHouse to hold philanthropy event for suicide prevention, honoring late brother

The Alpha Pi chapter of the FarmHouse fraternity is gearing up to hold FHilanthrocakes, the organization’s philanthropy charity pancake dinner event. 

The tradition started over 10 years ago and is aimed at raising money for philanthropies. This year, all proceeds will go to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). 

“FHilanthrocakes is a family-friendly gathering open to students, faculty, family and community members featuring an all-you-can-eat breakfast,” said FarmHouse President Bradley Smith, a junior computer science major from Opelika, Alabama. “This is a cause that is very important to our brotherhood, as we lost our late brother, Matthew Awbrey, in December of 2023.” 

Brad Smith, a junior risk management insurance major from Pace, Florida, was part of the same pledge class as Awbrey. 

“Supporting the AFSP has a special place in my heart,” Smith said. “In December of my freshman year, Matthew Awbrey, one of my pledge brothers, took his life.  

“Since then, we switched our primary philanthropy to the AFSP in remembrance of Awbrey and in support of those affected by suicide.”

Garett Harmon, a senior secondary education major from Chelsea, Alabama, is a brother of the FarmHouse Fraternity. Harmon was also in the same pledge class as Awbrey. 

“Matthews was a pledge brother of mine,” Harmon said. “Losing him was very personal to me. 

“It's nice to be able to give back to him and the cause. It’s also a great motivator for us as a fraternity.  

Instead of doing a philanthropy for an organization that we don’t have a personal connection to, we’re doing it for someone we love.” 

This fall, FarmHouse plans to raise $10,000 for AFSP. Smith also shared his experience being involved with last year’s FHilanthrocakes. 

“FarmHouse didn’t do FHilanthrocakes my freshman year, so my first experience with it was this past year as a sophomore,” Smith said. “I had a blast this past year being able to cook and serve the food, and watch everyone come together in fellowship and collectively support our philanthropy.” 

FHilanthrocakes will take place in the upstairs portion of the Troy Dining Hall on Thursday, November 13th, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets will be able to be purchased at FarmHouse’s table in the Trojan Center or from any brother during the week of the event. 

Those interested in learning more about FarmHouse and its philanthropy can follow @farmhousetroy on Instagram.