Pi Beta Phi hits the court
The sorority's philanthropy week begins today with serenades.
Published March 16, 2010
This week, sorority Pi Beta Phi is aiming to raise $8,000 for the Pi Beta Phi Foundation and First Book.
In order to raise money, Pi Beta Phi will be holding a basketball tournament, known as Big Man on Court, on Friday at the Student Recreation Complex.
Mallory Roulston, Pi Beta Phi Philanthropy vice president, said she hopes throwing an event on campus will bring the sorority more fundraising success than last year.
"Last year our philanthropy work was off campus and didn't draw out too many people," Roulston said. "By having it at the Rec Center this year, we have better turn out. We have about 15 fraternities participating. We've got around the same business participation as last year. I think the economy has kind of hurt us a bit."
The tournament will be played in a 3-on-3 format, and the entry fees range from $30 to $60. The entry cost depends on the number of teams a group enters into the tournament. Pi Beta Phi has also raised money by selling T-shirts and basketball shorts for participants to wear while they play.
All money raised goes toward Pi Beta Phi Foundation and First Book, which is the sorority's national philanthropy.
"First Book is an organization which gives underprivileged children the opportunity to own their first book," Roulston said.
Roulston said the Pi Beta Phi Foundation, the second organization to receive money from the philanthropy, provides scholarships for members in financial need and aims to create leadership opportunities within the sorority.
Pi Beta Phi President Kyle Schettler said she hopes the sorority can achieve its fundraising goal of $8,000 and bring more attention to the causes it supports by reaching out beyond the realm of Greek Life.
"Our basketball tournament is with Greek and non-Greek teams," Schettler said. "Anyone who wants to come out can. Our goal is to reach out beyond Greek Life and get other people to be involved in what we're doing."
The philanthropy also includes an element of competition. Internal Philanthropy Chairwoman Jennifer Hodgson said fraternity candidates will be competing to win the crown of king.
"A chosen candidate from each fraternity has to go through an interview process, head serenades, do our service project and speed read at the basketball tournament," Hodgson said. "The candidates are known as king candidates, and they help their fraternity get additional points throughout the week."
Hodgson said the candidate with the most points during these events will help his fraternity come closer to being the winner of Pi Beta Phi's philanthropy week.
Along with hosting Friday's basketball tournament, the sorority is taking part in a few smaller events.
Monday and Wednesday, serenades will be outside the Pi Beta Phi house. Participating fraternities headed by king candidates will attempt to charm the sorority and win points for their fraternity.
"The guys come and sing and dance for you and try to impress you," Roulston said. "They talk a lot about how Pi Phi's are so important. Some guys will bring guitars and instruments, some guys dress up."
On Thursday, Pi Beta Phi and the king candidates will complete a service project at the Boys & Girls Club.
"Pi Beta Phi nationally is trying to remedy the literacy problem in America," Hodgson said. "We want to promote service."