Fraternity raises money for chronically ill children

By Brittany Andrews
Staff Writer

Members of UNCP Phi Kappa Tau fraternity with the assistance of the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority participated in an event called “Climbing for Victory” from March 29-31.

They “pole sat” on a scaffold over 10-feet in the air in front of the U.C. for 48 hours to raise money for the Victory Junction Camp in Randleman, N.C., a camp for chronically ill children in the state. The fraternity raised $2,200.01, exceeding their goal of $2,000.

“What more is gonna grab people’s attention than a bunch of guys sitting on a scaffold.” Phi Kappa Tau President Douglas Thompson said, the man behind the idea of “Climbing for Victory.”

The Victory Junction Camp is affiliated with Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Association that was created to enrich the lives of children with chronic or life-threatening illnesses with camping experiences that are memorable, exciting, fun, empowering and medically sound.

“We’re showing that fraternity life is more than just partying,” Thompson said. “We’re showing people what a fraternity should be.”

According to Thompson, he got one of his instructors, Professor of Business Dr. Edward Powers, to donate $160.

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Dr. Diane Jones said events like this continue to make her proud of UNCP’s student organizations.

“Greek organizations provide vitality to the university and to the community. They provide not only many social extra-curricular activities for our students, but they provide valuable community service,” Jones said. “This project is a prime example of how our students can make a difference in the lives of others.”

“We’ve thrown the whole weight of the fraternity behind this fund-raising project,” Thompson said. “100 percent of the donations we receive will go to Victory Junction.”

The event had originally been scheduled to start March 28, but had to be postponed due to a lightning advisory.

Victory Junction is supported by the Petty family of NASCAR fame.