Staff, facilities management, medical supplies, and of course – food. Beyond passion, it takes a lot of money to keep Camps within the SeriousFun Children’s Network functioning and most importantly free of charge to the campers. That’s why Phi Kappa Tau has historically donated over 1.5 million dollars to the network in our nearly 30 years of partnership. Every dollar counts, but certain events consistently deliver amazing results and transformational giving amounts to the camps. One such event can be found in Louisville Kentucky.
Participants having a ball during their routine.
$20,000. Let’s not bury the lead here. The Beta Beta chapter at the University of Louisville, in one event, raised $21,914 to be exact for SeriousFun Children’s Network through their Phi Tau Dance Show that took place in November of this year. This event has been hosted by the chapter for years and in its current form serves to strengthen the Louisville community by bringing fellow Greek organizations together to compete for a worthy cause. Groups were tasked with coming up with short dance routines that were a perfect blend of impressive dance moves and humor. In addition to the generosity shown to SeriousFun, winning competitors (this year Delta Zeta and Pi Kappa Phi) were awarded donations to their charity of choice.
The presentation of the final donation sum.
The success of the event can be broken down into three simple categories: collaboration, marketing, and planning. In collaboration with SeriousFun Children’s Network, who the chapter worked directly with, they were able to develop written statements to highlight the impact of their fundraising efforts and the children they serve. Even Clea Newman, daughter of network founder Paul Newman, Ohio ’43, had this to say, “To my friends at Phi Kappa Tau Louisville Chapter, thank you… I know that like my Dad, you are men of character and compassion and you believe wholeheartedly in the power of friendship, fun, and possibility to change kids’ lives forever. I can’t wait to see you dance your hearts out and I’m even more excited to see you all at camp! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”
The event was also expertly marketed, even diversifying messaging through its own social media presence – if you were in a fraternity or sorority on campus, it was hard not to know about Phi Tau Dance Show. Graphics were made for each participating group which drove awareness and donations.
Beta Beta brothers working the event.
And last, but not least, planning. Large scale events take weeks of dedicated planning and building on the success of previous years as opposed to becoming complacent. It is evident that the men of Beta Beta took their mission seriously this year. "Being able to lead this year’s SeriousFun Dance Show was an honor.” Said chapter Vice President Tanner Schultz, Louisville ’21, “After putting countless hours to making this production happen. I can confidently say that the impact we are able to make for SeriousFun is well worth it. I’m excited to continue our show in the future and see how far we can go."
Chapter President Keegan Tingle, Louisville ’22 had this to add, “As we reflect on this achievement, we want to extend our gratitude to SeriousFun for their partnership and support throughout the process. This collaboration has been incredibly rewarding, and we hope to inspire other chapters to strengthen their communication with SeriousFun. By working closely with this amazing organization, we believe that Phi Kappa Tau chapters across the country can amplify their impact and raise even more funds for this important cause.”
We salute the dancing cardinals in Louisville, and be it their dance moves, or their philanthropic prowess – we could all learn a thing or two from these men of distinction.