The Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity is hosting a mud volleyball tournament this weekend to raise money for the Kids Alive Ministry.
The fraternity hosted the same event last year, and they were able to raise $3,000 for the ministry.
Michael Eberhard, president of Pi Kappa Alpha, said the money raised last year funded the building of a soccer field for the kids in the Dominican Republic. This year, their goal is to raise at least $8,000 for kids in Peru.
“We have a philanthropic event every semester, and usually we like to keep our donations within the local community,” Eberhard said. “But we decided the kids in non-developed countries could use it just as much, if not more.”
So far, the fraternity has gathered 17 teams to participate in the mud volleyball event, but Eberhard said they will be accepting more sign-ups up until the day of the event. The cost for a team to sign up is $150, and if a team within the same organization would like to participate, the cost is $50 per additional team. All of the proceeds from the entry costs are going to the Kids Alive Ministry.
At the event, the fraternity will be selling T-shirts, food and raffle tickets to raise even more money for the ministry. In addition, they will be giving out a variety of awards to the participants.
The Kids Alive Ministry is an international organization that helps at-risk children in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Pacific Rim get safe housing and education.
“One of our brothers was studying abroad and fell in love with the organization and the kids there,” Eberhard said. “So when he returned, we dedicated one of our bi-annual philanthropy events to them.”
That brother was Wilita Sanguma, who went to the Dominican Republic and recently visited children in Peru.
“It’s amazing how beneficial it is for us to help them,” Sanguma said. “Even us being there to play with them ”” they were so happy.”
Pi Kappa Alpha is one of many Greek organizations on campus that hold fundraising events. According to Eberhard, Pi Kappa Alpha has raised more than $10,000 for charities during this school year.
“Despite the great things that we are doing, we are unfortunately always the target of stereotypical ‘frat’ boys,” Eberhard said. “Although some may carry out that image, I know most of us are striving to wash that away.”