Kappa Sigma’s annual block party is returning this year with a host of activities. The fraternity looks to not only support their philanthropic partner, the Military Heroes Campaign, but create a fun and engaging environment for UNI students.
Alongside Kappa Sigma, the Military Veterans Association of UNI is hosting a bags tournament. President Ethan Neilsenand Vice President Ian O’Neill noted that there will also be various yard games, a silent auction and the UNI student band “Watch for Squirrel.” The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), is setting up an interactive obstacle course for the event, where the runner will be blindfolded and the instructor can only give verbal directions. Whoever can complete the course fastest will win an ROTC gift basket.
Kappa Sigma and the ROTC will be working together to make this night a success. The ROTC is providing 3 large military vehicles for display and photos. Students who attend are permitted to climb in the military vehicles and will be encouraged to do so. Members of the ROTC that are attending the Military Heroes Block Party will also be appropriately recognized for their service.
Kappa Sigma will be donating funds to Americans for Independent Living in Waterloo. O’Neill said “it’s important to keep benefits we raised locally, rather than just dispersing it.”
In the past, the money raised has gone to local and national veteran organizations. Co-Chairman of Philanthropy, Gavik Kuruppu said “This is the first time 100% of raised money will go to a local veteran organization.”
Neilsen added “We raised over 6,000 dollars last year during our block party, and we were awarded with the military heroes trophy.”
Kappa Sigma raised over $300 dollars per member last year. All of the money went to help Veterans in need. Nielsen exclaimed “It’s cool to see people in the community get involved, people are so willing to hop in on it”
Events as big as the Military Heroes Block party typically require outside-campus fundraising. Kuruppu added “We’ve reached out to 75 companies trying to fundraise, and Atlantic Bottling has been a big help in sponsoring this event,”
ThreeHouse, collaborative campus ministries, is sponsoring the band for the Military Heroes Block Party. Threehouse is located right next to the Kappa Sigma house, and they often work alongside UNI organizations to plan events.
Kappa Sigmas’ Block Party is truly a chance for student collaboration. Nielsen said “We started a local organization fair at the Military Heroes Block Party, so any organizations that want to talk about what they do can have a table.”
The Military Heroes Block Party is a chance for fraternity and sorority organizations to participate in friendly competition. Members of the FSL community are encouraged to raise as much as possible, often
requiring FSL members to go door to door. Something that’s important to the members of KSig is that the FSL community is one. Last year, Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity closed its doors, leaving Kappa Sigma as the sole fraternity on UNI’s campus. Since then, Kappa Sigma has been vocal about their organization
and what they strive to accomplish. Kappa Sigma is founded on four pillars: fellowship, leadership, scholarship and service. The members of Kappa Sigma work together to follow these pillars in ways that their past fraternity members did.
At the end of the night, Kappa Sigma will name their ‘sweetheart.’ Whoever has raised the most money through small fundraising events will be named. Carter Leick noted “This competition keeps the FSL community strong and brings us together.”
Kappa Sigma House is hosting their annual Military Heroes Block Party on Sept. 28 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on West 25 Street, right next to the Kappa Sigma house. Tickets are $10 dollars and include walking tacos provided by Zury’s Tacos on College Hill. Kappa Sigma t-shirts will be on sale at the event for $25 dollars.
