PiKA holds party to raise AIDS funds

It was a party with a purpose. The Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity hosted a party Saturday night to benefit ActionAIDS, an organization which helps patients to cope with the disease. According to David Katz, one of PiKA's community service chairpersons, the night was a big success. "Being that this was our first party in a number of months, we wanted to capitalize on the large expected turnout," said the College sophomore. Katz said the party, which featured a DJ, "was completely packed for about three hours." Admission at the door was five dollars, a price which Katz said many often feel is too steep. "A lot of people don't like to pay five dollars," he said, "but because it was a good cause, people were more willing to pay." According to College junior Daniel Levin, the party cost $1200, adding that after covering costs, PiKA will donate over $500 to ActionAIDS. "We were hoping for a little bit more, but we're all very happy children," said the fraternity treasurer. Katz said the fraternity is still in the process of raising money, an effort that began before the party. The timing of the party coincided with the end of National AIDS Awareness Week and provided an outlet for increased visibility for the week. "The money is going to help the people with the problem right now," Katz said. "That is the social aspect of AIDS Awareness Week." Katz described the party's mood as "upbeat." "Everyone was happy to come in from the rain and dance around," he said. "It also brought some people who may not normally have come to our house." "Instead of coming out and having a good time, it's coming out and having a good time for a good cause," said Katz. According to Katz, Student Health donated 150 free condoms, which were quickly snapped up by the party-goers. They also obtained posters from Planned Parenthood and brochures from Student Health. PiKA brother Jonathan Snyder, a College sophomore, was in charge of publicity for the party, which over 400 attended. InterFraternity Council president Jeffrey Blount said the party is an example of the good things the Greek system has to offer. "I think that it's a great idea," the Wharton junior said. "It shows the type of resources the Greek community has to offer. I think it's great that they did what they did." PiKA President Josh Dorfman said he was very satified with the success of the party. "The event was a huge success," said the College sophomore. "PiKA looks forward to even bigger and better things in the future."

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