For anyone who went to H-Fest last Friday, or perhaps walked past the usually-not-so-crowded beach, you may have discovered that there are actually some cool things going on at Hopkins. So cool, they even give you a free t-shirt. I didn't go to it. I was sleeping. However, I heard it was pretty worthwhile. Well, there happens to be another such t-shirt giving event in the very near future. That is, of course, the Phi Psi 500.
First off, the Phi Psi 500 should be distinguished from the beloved H-Fest. Not only is it for fun and school spirit, it's also for a good cause.
All of the proceeds from the event go to the Twin Towers Fund, whose benefactors are the families of the New York City firefighters killed in the Sept. 11 attack. Stolz also indicated that every year a different charity organization is chosen to donate to. Thus far, this philanthropic venture has been both successful for Phi Psi as a fund-raising effort, as well as for students who enjoy the distraction - from both studying and being a "mature" college student.
The event is sponsored every year by the Phi Kappa Psi chapter here at Hopkins. This is being called the 21st annual event, though the exact number of years its been going on may be more or less than that number. The members of Phi Psi have managed, through this event combine "carnival-style" games with some friendly competition and charity work. The basic idea is this: students can organize into groups of four and enter into the games for an entry fee of $20 per team. Priority will be given to teams that are comprised of members of other fraternities and sororities, but don't be discouraged. There is enough time on Saturday for you to leave the library (or bed for that matter) and get outdoors for some fun on the Upper quad with your friends. And, if you get there before the crowd, there will most likely be a slot left for your team.
There will also be a DJ, so when you're not kickin' Kappa or SAE's ass, you can sit back and listen to some good music.
The prizes that that the winning team gets, however, are not the typical air-brushed cartoon pictures and sketchy stuffed animals handed out by carnies. And they're being handed out by Phi Psi brothers. And trust me, they're much nicer to look at than those shady carnival game operators.
Adam Stolz, Phi Psi president and junior class member, said that the brothers "basically go around to Baltimore businesses asking for donations." Apparently, businesses are receptive to the cause as well as the publicity, as Stolz says, "They get free advertising on the t-shirts we make for donating [to us]."
And the grand prize is nothing to be scoffed at. The winner could possibly receive a TV or a VCR. Not bad for a carnival game. There is also a t-shirt for all those who participate in the events Saturday, so you can count yourself a victorious even if your team sucks and you don't win any of the games.
In addition to Baltimore City contributors, the event is also sponsored by the Inter Fraternity Council (IFC) who oversee Greek life here on campus. The IFC provided some of the initial funding for the prizes.
So now there's even more reason to get out of bed, run, jump and play off your hangover. Get out of bed and the library Saturday, and enjoy acting like a twelve year-old while benefitting those in need.
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