Tell Me Why: Comedy for a charitable cause

If midterms and finals are running wild in your mind, Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity wants you to relax and enjoy some comedy, while helping an important cause.

The fraternity is bringing comedian Steven Hofstetter to campus this Sunday at 7 p.m. in Houston Hall. Opening for Hofstetter will be comedian Denis Donohue.

Hofstetter, an alumnus of Sigma Phi Epsilon, has appeared on CBS's The Late Late Show, ESPN and has toured over 100 college campuses and clubs. He graduated Columbia University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2002.

Proceeds for the event will go to Back On My Feet, an organization that "promotes the self-sufficiency of Philadelphia's homeless population by engaging them in running as a means to build confidence, strength and self-esteem," according to its Web site.

The fraternity said it wants to throw an enjoyable event that will benefit the greater community.

"I believe this event is especially important to attend not only because Steve is hilarious but also because the proceeds will be benefiting an extremely good cause," SigEp vice president of communications and College sophomore Patrick Hillstrom wrote in an e-mail.

Back On My Feet is sponsoring the Philadelphia marathon, which is also on Sunday.

According to the organization's Web site, Anne Mahlum, the charity's founder and president, said "running is one of the most empowering activities there is because there is no end." Mahlum was recently nominated for the title of CNN's Top 10 Heroes of 2008.

SigEp advises students to attend the event because the fraternity believes the charity is a worthwhile cause. Hillstrom noted that "the Hofstetter event could be seen as a 'capstone' of sorts for the day as a whole."

Tickets can be purchased now on Locust Walk for $8 and will be available at the door for $10. Since seating is limited, the fraternity urges students to buy tickets in advance.

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