Grishma Rimal
Staff Writer
The Gamma Gamma chapter of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at Troy University is observing its philanthropy week by raising funds for Push America. Push America is the national philanthropy of Pi Kappa Phi and works in assisting people with disabilities.
The week long events have included fundraisers at local businesses like Ruby Tuesday, Milky Moo’s and Chick-fil-A and a raffle draw worth $250 of merchandise sponsored by Country Club Prep.
The fraternity is also doing a 48-hour bike-a-thon that began Tuesday at 4 p.m. and will end today at 4 p.m. Along with the bike-a-thon, there will be a Miss Push contest where sorority members will compete for the title through a penny war competition. The sororities will each have a jar that people may donate any amount of change into it. The sorority member collecting the highest amount will win the title of Miss Push.
According to Nick Ledford, a sophomore nursing major from Slocomb and philanthropy chair for the fraternity, the fundraisers at local businesses are new events and members expect to raise more money this year than in the past.
“We are pushing for a target of at least $7,000,” said Evan Ballard, a sophomore social science education major from Slocomb.
Although the fraternity annually does a “Push Carnival” for disabled school students in the area, setting up a small fair and inviting them to play, it was unable to organize the carnival this year because the local schools are on spring break.
“Helping people and knowing that I’m making a difference is the best part about Push week,” said Nelson Allen, a freshman Spanish major from Andalusia.
According to Allen, the preparation for Push week began last year immediately after the previous event ended. “We don’t kid when it comes to Push,” he said.
“I enjoy getting out and volunteering and raising money for a good cause,” said Skyler Rakes, a freshman undecided major from Birmingham.
The program also includes a competition between the sororities called the War of Roses, a three-part contest including banner making, penny wars and the numbers of members attending the fundraisers.
The week will end with the fraternity hosting three parties at its house with performances from the bands Fly by Radio on Thursday, Los Locos on Friday and The Whiskey River Band on Saturday.
Tickets for the parties can be bought for $10 from any of the fraternity members. Each party will start at 10 p.m.