Prospective new members learned about Pi Kappa Phi’s year-round philanthropic efforts during an event that kicked off the final week of the spring new member recruitment period on Jan. 28, following Purdue’s 74-67 basketball win at IU.
A panel discussion highlighted the chapter’s participation in the national outreach program benefitting people with disabilities, The Ability Experience (www.abilityexperience.org).
The fraternity’s school year events include: The 72-Hour David Feltner Memorial Bike a Thon, Arctoberfest, Lafayette Jefferson High School Volunteer Relationship, the Best Buddies-Purdue Second Chance Prom, War of Roses and Pi Kapp 100 – all programming events created by chapter members over the years. Prospective members learned that all chapter members participate in those service and fund-raising events throughout the school year, consistent with their “servant-leadership” expectation.
During 2017, the chapter raised $20,092 for people with disabilities and one-quarter of which is given directly to assist the special needs classes at Lafayette Jeff.
The fund-raising events include Bike a Thon, War of Roses and Pi Kapp 100. Arctoberfest, classroom visits and second chance prom are service-only programs. Furthermore, chapter members participate in a Purdue winterization project (joining others on campus to assist low-income or elderly with winter preparation), Habitat for Humanity along with a variety of other Greek organization’s philanthropic efforts year-round.
In total, the chapter raised slightly more than $112,000 for philanthropic purposes through for Ability Experience fund-raising, Purdue University Dance Marathon (PUDM) and the Journey of Hope in the last year.
The spring recruitment period ends on Jan. 30 with an invitation-only bid dinner at the chapter house. Prior to the Jan. 28 recruitment event, the chapter has 12 bids accepted for the spring class.
For further information about spring recruitment, contact Joe Knue, [email protected], 317/459-6245.
Pi Kappa Phi Omega (Purdue) chapter academic year programming
Throughout the school year, the Omega chapter engages its members and the Purdue community through outreach, fund-raising and education. The primary beneficiary of the chapter’s efforts is The Ability Experience, Pi Kappa Phi’s national philanthropy. Furthermore, 25 percent of its annual fund-raising efforts are contributed locally to assist the special needs classes at a local high school. Fraternity members support local agencies – the Arc of Tippecanoe and Best Buddies Purdue – with programming and support as well.
72-Hour David Feltner Memorial Bike a Thon
Established in 2011, the chapter members ride up to three stationary bikes for 72 straight hours leading up to, and concluding after, the annual homecoming football game. Riders commit to $10 per hour of cycling time and oftentimes includes chapter alumni and sorority members. The event is held in memory of Feltner, who died while a chapter member in 2011. Feltner was heavily involved in all facets of the chapter’s Ability Experience programming while a Purdue student.
Arctoberfest
Established in 2011, the chapter hosts a Halloween-themed costume party for clients of the Arc of Tippecanoe, a local chapter of a national organization serving adults with disabilities. Fraternity members team up with Best Buddies, a student organization, to interact with the largest outing of Arc clients of the year. The event includes carnival games, food and dancing for more than two hours. Arc clients compete for awards including scariest, most creative and funniest costumes.
War of Roses
Established in 2007, each spring the chapter engages members of the Greek community in a one- or two-week experience that includes empathy training, a disability dinner and competition as well as a talent show. The primary contestant from each participating sorority also visits Omega’s outreach in the special needs classroom. The capstone talent show is held in an on-campus theatre and draws more than 600 people. Most years since 2014, SPIRIT! Theatre, a local stage troupe that teaches adults with disabilities, performs during the talent portion of the War of Roses.
Special needs class assistance
Established in 2008, chapter members volunteer each school day in special needs classes at Lafayette Jefferson High School. Guys assist the teachers in engaging students with cognitive and physical disabilities. Fraternity members help the students with life skills, socialization and field trips.
Pi Kapp 100
Established in 1999, chapter members, alumni and guests cycle 100 kilometers from Zionsville to the Purdue campus. Similar to national Ability Experience events, riders and crew commit to fund-raising goals to participate. The riders arrive at the fraternity house on Moms Day each April. Over the years, chapter alumni and members from other Pi Kappa Phi chapters nationally have participated. In 2016, a mom of a chapter member rode, too.
Pi Kapp/Best Buddy Prom
Established in 2015, the fraternity teams up with a Purdue student group to offer a Second Chance Prom for people with disabilities. Clients of the Arc of Tippecanoe ask each other to the event and the two sponsoring groups plan the event. The springtime prom includes games and dancing.
Other Events
Pi Kapps participate in countless other Greek organization philanthropies, too. The two largest include Zeta Tau Alpha’s BMOC (Big Man on Campus) and PUDM (Purdue University Dance Marathon).
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