The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic

The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic

The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic

Fraternity to seek a cure by laughter

Actor-comedian Seth Rogen will be visiting UVM, thanks to the hard work of one dedicated University group.

The brothers of Fraternity Pi Kappa Alpha have finished first in the national fundraising campaign Hilarity for Charity U.

“It’s a great achievement for our fraternity,” sophomore member Chris Grant said.

The campaign encourages student groups to host events on campuses to raise awareness and funds for fighting Alzheimer’s disease, according to the charity’s website.

“When we heard the news we were happy,” sophomore president John Fox said. “We were even happier of the impact our organization made for the Alzheimer’s Association.”

The Charity is a college-oriented program derived from the Hilarity for Charity parent organization; founded by Rogen in 2012.

The Fraternity raised more than $27,000 for the campaign, Fox said.

Funds were raised for the Charity by selling tickets to their upcoming talent show in Ira Allen Chapel April 21, and by asking for various donations, Fox said.

“We had help from a few businesses around Burlington, and our family and friends, as well as selling tickets,” he said.

Grant said that at the start of the competition it was difficult to anticipate the impact their organization would have.

“We set our goals pretty high in the beginning. Who would have thought we would have won the entire Hilarity for Charity,” he said.

The fraternity was among 73 other student groups that raised money for the organization.

As of April 15, the $27,180 raised by UVM was nearly $7,000 more than the next team.

For Fox, the desire to participate in the competition was a personal one.

“The reason we started participating in the competition is because my grandfather passed away from Alzheimer’s in January,” he said.

For their efforts, Rogen will visit UVM later this year.

Members of the Fraternity – among others – can attend an advanced screening of Rogen’s new film “Neighbors.”

Rogen will also attend a personal meet and greet with members of the fundraising group. 

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Fraternity to seek a cure by laughter