March Mayhem

Pi Kappa Phi members, alongside Augusta University Occupational Therapy, took on the Miracle League at YMCA Camp Lakeside. (photo by Davis Harley)

By Davis T. Harley | Staff Writer

This past month, Pi Kappa Phi participated in a nationwide philanthropic fundraising event called “March Mayhem,” which aligned with the tournament we all know and love: March Madness. The brothers of Pi Kappa Phi at Augusta University were attacked this month while being matched up against bigger schools with bigger chapters, like Oregon State and Cincinnati, which Augusta both dominated.

Dozier Rogers, a member and former philanthropy chairman of Pi Kappa Phi, explained the significance of Augusta University competing against bigger schools.

“It’s been an incredible experience going up against bigger schools,” he said. “Being the underdog in the tournament and still holding our own, or even winning against schools with three or four times as many members, is something we’re proud of. Competing at that level makes the whole experience even more exciting and rewarding.”

All proceeds from March Mayhem go to Pi Kappa Phi’s exclusive philanthropy, “The Ability Experience.” The Ability Experience raises awareness for people with disabilities by making it more accessible to them to get out, get active and be treated like everyone else.

Pi Kappa Phi also participates on the YMCA Camp Lakeside’s Miracle League every Wednesday because it relates to the cause they state they wholeheartedly support. Pi Kappa Phi is also the only fraternity in the nation with an exclusive philanthropy that revolves solely around people with disabilities.

Rogers described what it meant to him to have a philanthropy such as this one.

“What makes our philanthropy different is that it’s ours,” he said. “We’re the only fraternity with a national philanthropy that we created. ‘The Ability Experience.’ It’s not just a name we slap on events; it’s something we live and breathe.”

Rogers said that this philanthropy is about building real relationships, creating unforgettable experiences and making a lasting impact in the lives of people with disabilities.

Sean Strickland, member and secretary of Pi Kappa Phi, went into detail about how much an event like March Mayhem means to the chapter and how they prepare for it.

“As a very active fraternity,” he said, “March Mayhem is our most important event within the Spring semester. In the weeks of March, Mayhem is when all of our members put aside their needs to focus on the task at hand.”

Strickland said it was more than just an event. To him, it is a chance for their fraternity to shine light on an extremely important foundation that continues to grow and inspire others to be part of “something greater than themselves.”

This year’s March Mayhem for Augusta University started with a 24-hour bike ride in front of the JSAC, called the “Gamma Psiclathon.” Pi Kappa Phi went from noon to noon the following day and accepted donations all the way through. For every $20 they raised, one of the brothers would get a bucket of water dumped on them, and everyone who donated got to throw water balloons at the riders.

The next event, held the following week, was a four-hour car wash at Pi Kappa Phi’s house off of Central Ave. With cars constantly coming through, the chapter was able to raise a lot more than they even planned for.

The last event held was an annual bake sale that Pi Kappa Phi held inside the JSAC, which is always a hit with the surrounding student community.

Augusta University found its exit in the March Mayhem tournament in the Elite 8 as they lost to the University of Texas (Austin). Along the way, Augusta was victorious over Oregon State, Cincinnati and West Virginia.

In the end, Augusta University’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter put on a show as they raised a total of $2,702 with 644 service hours across the chapter.

Contact Davis Harley at dharley@augusta.edu.

Pi Kappa Phi members posed at YMCA Camp Lakeside during their soccer season. (photo by Davis Harley)

Pi Kappa Phi members celebrated the end to an unforgettable philanthropic month. (photo by Davis Harley)