Kappa Sigma wants to reintroduce itself on campus, so the brothers this week are braving rain and wind to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project.
Kappa Sigma had a chapter on campus until 2013, when code of conduct violations forced it to close. Now, said Isaiah Vazquez, the public relations director for the chapter, they are seeking a second chance.
Organization started last fall, and this campout for wounded veterans is their first philanthropic effort.
“We’re hoping to bring the name back,” he said. The chapter will promote the ideals of leadership, service to the community and helping others.
Vazquez said the group decided to support the Wounded Warrior Project despite recent allegations of the misappropriation of funds. Vazquez said those responsible have been fired. “Now the money’s going into the right pockets.”
The fraternity has supported the Wounded Warriors Project in the past. Many of the fraternity’s alumni have served in the military, and a recent pledge has enlisted.
Vazquez said that in a way both the fraternity and the charity have taken “similar routes” to try to make up for mistakes.
Kappa Sigma, which will get its charter later this year, will have a 12-member house in the new Greek Housing complex, now nearing completion on campus.
He said the prospect of living in the new housing is “incredibly exciting.” He expects the new residence will help the chapter with recruitment.
The fundraising effort will continue through today at 11:30 p.m. and resume Friday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The brothers, who have a tent set up on the Union Oval, had planned to sleep out at the site, but didn’t realize they had to request permission from the university 45 days in advance.
Pearse Scudder, one of the brothers on hand Thursday morning, said the paperwork saved them from waking up in a puddle. As it is, they are hopeful the bad weather doesn’t hinder their fundraising efforts.
They’ll take what they can get, he said.
“From a penny to a million dollars,” Vazquez said.
The Armed Forces Career Center in downtown Bowling Green gave the fraternity flags, water bottles and other items to give away, and The Cookie Jar is donating cookies.
