Brother Jason Ashford, Theta Eta/Sam Houston State 2000, considered himself to be the typical alumnus – graduated, moved away and only stayed in touch with a few of his fraternity brothers. He didn’t return to campus for any of the homecoming games. He didn’t participate in any of the alumni sponsored events. In other words, he was not a shining example of what a Theta Chi alumnus should be.
A series of events would eventually lead Brother Ashford back to his Theta Chi roots. First off, a dear friend who was like a second mother to him was stricken with lung cancer. Because her children did not live in the area, Ashford stepped up to help his friend in her time of need.
“Even though she was a very strong and independent woman who worked her way up the corporate ladder, I knew she would need my help to beat this,” said Ashford.
Ashford stayed by his friend’s side through her surgery and recovery. Today she has been cancer free for three years.
Next in the series was somewhat of an “ah ha” moment. After reading www.thetachi.org's April 10, 2014 article, “Thoughts for Founders Day 2014,” Ashford was taken aback.
“The article stopped me in my tracks,” said Ashford. “After reading the article I realized how extremely proud I was to have had the opportunity to be a part of a fraternal organization founded on such noble principles. I would not be the person I am today had I not pledged Theta Chi. The brotherhood, relationships, and experiences I gained not only prepared me for corporate America, but life,” he continued.
Ashford says that it was that article that planted the seed to prepare him for what was to come.
Soon after reading the article, Brother Ashford was invited on the spur of the moment to attend a paint night class – a class where the attendees are given step-by-step instructions on how to paint a tree.
“I had never painted a canvas painting, and I wasn’t about to paint a boring tree,” said Ashford. “About a week before the class I had seen an amazing picture of a Huey helicopter online. I put in my iPhone ear buds, turned on some Vietnam era music, and started to paint a Huey helicopter as the professional artist described how the tree trunk is “the foundation” of the painting,” he said. “Painting while listening to music was a “religious experience” to me,” he continued.
A month later, while viewing his Facebook newsfeed, Ashford come across a photo of one of his Theta Eta Chapter brothers, Robert ‘Bobby’ Hart (2004), painting a Texas flag on canvas. The painting was to sell at a silent auction to raise money for Bobby’s mother, Chris Black, who had been diagnosed with stage-four Throat Cancer.
“I immediately picked up the phone to call Bobby. Hearing his voice I was instantly reminded of what a genuine person he is as he updated me on his mother’s condition,” said Ashford. “It was as if it were 1999 again and I was calling Bobby to get an update on the Vanilla Ice concert or Pat Green concert that he helped coordinate 14 years ago as the Chapter Social Chairman,” he said.
After talking with his brother, Ashford felt like he needed to step up to the plate and do something to help his brother out. But what could I do? My first thought – we are Theta Chi’s – we need our brothers! But, after not being in contact for so long would they still want to help?
“Even though I had only attended the one paint night, I instantly thought of hosting a paint party event for Bobby’s mom. I could invite members of Theta Chi, and we could paint the coat of arms to raise money for her treatment! I knew that I had to act fast and communicate fast because stage four cancer moves fast,” said Ashford.
Ashford set his plan in motion. He found a local paint artist to paint the coat of arms, he contacted a friend who was the owner of Crescent Moon wine bar in Woodlands, TX for the venue, and he got in touch with another Theta Eta Chapter brother, Kevin Harris (2013), to design a logo and T-shirts for the event. After that, Ashford began friending every Theta Eta Chapter member he could find on Facebook. He contacted the chapter house and spoke with current Chapter President, Pierce Davila (2015) to help spread the word about the event throughout the chapter.
Ashford’s paint night event, “Brush Away Cancer,” was held Aug. 2, 2014 at the Crescent Moon Wine Bar. Nearly all of the active Theta Eta brothers were in attendance, as well as Past National Vice President (and Theta Eta alumnus) Brian Hall (1988) and Theta Chi National Secretary, Doug Miller.
“The event was a success on so many levels,” said Ashford. “Not only were all the active brothers able to attend and participate, but it created a platform for brothers of all ages to bond and raise money for a greater cause. Most of all, the event demonstrated that Theta Chi is for life, and that if you are in need 10, 15, 20 years from now – your brothers will be there to extend a helping hand,” he said.
National Secretary Doug Miller shared, "I was honored to be a part of this event. It was inspiring to see a group of men come together in a brother's time of need. The Theta Chi brotherhood is a family that cares for each other. The work Jason did to put the event together in a short time, the number of brothers who participated and the uniqueness of the event were all outstanding."
Since the event, more than $2,700 has been raised for Chris Black’s cancer treatment, and Ashford plans to hold another paint night in the near future to get even more alumni involved, and he encourages Theta Chi Chapters across the country to paint for Bobby’s Mom.
“When Theta Chi’s unite they can do anything,” said Ashford. “Once we raise enough funds for Bobby’s mom, we can continue to paint and raise funds for other Theta Chi families in need of help for expensive cancer treatments,” he said.
Pictured from left: Bobby Hart, Chris Black and Jason Ashford.
To make a contribution to Chris Black’s Cancer Fund, visit: https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/3oef5/tx/73iMY3
To purchase a “Brush Away Cancer” T-shirt visit: http://Brushawaycancer.eventbrite.com