For the 11th year, the men of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity had their philanthropy event, Hit of Reality. The men built homes out of cardboard boxes and relied on the generosity of their fellow students for food for two days last week. They took over the McCaffrey Center with a metropolis of cardboard and passed the time asking for donations with the catchphrase, “What’s the best kind of nation? A Donation.”
During the 50 hours the men live outside, they are not allowed to buy food, shower, shave, use a car, or use anything inside a residence. However, the Pacific community never fails to provide them with plenty of food and hot chocolate. Pike Nate Darland said, “I eat more during Hit of Reality than I do normally because people bring us so much food.” The philanthropy event raises awareness for homelessness and donates money to the Second Harvest Food Bank. Last year they collected more than $8,000 in donations and this year they have done it once again.
The Pikes are allowed to use cardboard boxes collected from businesses such as Wal-mart and Sears to build homes to protect against the wind, rain, and cold. The two days they are outside never fail to be some of the coldest of the season. This year was no different. The men were subjected to the rain all of Thursday. However, by now they have all learned to set up their boxes under a roof covering to avoid the weather at all costs. Wednesday night, three bands performed to provide entertainment and a distraction from the cold weather. With the mixture of Blackford Rising’s classic rock sound and fantastic covers, Lynus’s ever-popular punk style, and Goodbye Matt’s witty lyrics, the three bands made for a truly entertaining mix. At noon on Friday the men made their way back to their house for showers and real beds. The event was best summed up by Pike senior Bill Black: “We’re out here to raise awareness, raise some money, and have a good time with our brothers.” Views: 309
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