As the month of October rolls in, the University’s Panhellenic Council is preparing for another run with the One Grey Outfit project, previously known as One Grey Dress.

    Starting back up at the University in 2014, One Grey Outfit is a month-long fundraising project put on to raise awareness and money for victims of human trafficking in Ohio. The project was just recently changed from “dress” to “outfit” to be more inclusive to anyone who may not be comfortable in a dress.

    The basis of the project is to have the participants experience feelings of isolation, limited decision and oppression by having to wear the same grey outfit for 30 days. The participants are challenged to feel the different emotions that come with the being enslaved to the same piece of clothing in hopes of raising awareness and pushing people to learn more about human trafficking and just how prevalent it is in our region.

    “The goal was to get more people involved and wanting to participate without having to wear only a dress. Now, men in the Interfraternal Council and other branches of campus can participate,” stated Alexis Schmidt, Panhellenic Service Chair and a member of Delta Gamma.

    With Toledo, Ohio, near Bowling Green, is one of the highest ranking cities for human trafficking, Schmidt explained she wanted to get involved after learning more about the project through the Panhellenic Council.

    The project benefits The Daughter Project which is a service for those affected by human trafficking. The center provides resources and educational programs for those who have been rescued from trafficking. It is located in Perrysburg.

    “So far we have raised over $3,500 for the foundation, which is amazing being how early it is as it’s day two. Our end goal is $9,000 which I think we can achieve,” stated Megan D’Angelo, Panhellenic President and member of Kappa Delta.

    Through extra efforts of advertising and word of mouth, Schmidt was able to reach a larger audience and make the project more personable.

    “I hope by the end of the month we have more participation from other people and not just women in the Panhellenic community. Alexis has done a really good job with getting the word out and included everyone, so I want to see how that works out,” stated D’Angelo.

    As preparation for the project began there were informational union tables, buttons for participants, changed to the project and an early release of the fundraising page to the public to grab attention earlier.

    Participation does not need to start exactly on the first of the month and those who may have missed that deadline are encouraged to still get a start and begin at any point in the month.

    Both D’Angelo and Schmidt hope that over the years more areas of campus will be involved and the goal can be raised.

    As of October 4, the project has raised $6,776 of its $9,000 goal.

    For more information visit the project’s site at www.crowdrise.com/OneGreyOutfitProject2017.