Members of Ferris State University’s Sigma Epsilon chapter of the Phi Sigma Kappa
fraternity were active during the just-completed Fall 2018 semester, raising funds
and offering their time in support of Special Olympics Area 5 athletes, based in Mecosta
and Osceola counties.
Trevor Hartley, a senior in Architecture with a minor in Facilities Management from Holt, is the past vice president of the fraternity chapter who served as the point person for their activities.
“The Special Olympics program is the philanthropic focus, nationally for our fraternity, and that has been the case for around 20 years,” Hartley said. “We began our involvement this year by joining with Area 5 Special Olympics athletes and other volunteers to staff a haunted corn maze, at Four Green Fields Farms, which is owned by Ferris alumnus Kevin Courtney. It was a blast.”
Hartley said that the organizers quickly turned their attention to preparing their fraternity house for a Haunted House fundraising event in late October.
“We had been planning the event for about two months, and spent a week clearing all the furniture out, to give us room to operate,” Hartley said. “We put up tarps and decorated so it had a very authentic haunted house feel. We were able to bring many Greek organizations and other students in to visit those three days, and word of mouth about our house accelerated the month of advertising and promotion we did for this event.”
Pat Rosales, the director of Area 5 Special Olympics, said they were pleased to receive more than $1,900 from the PSK Haunted House event, along with the $282 that was collected during the Haunted Maze fundraiser.
“This fraternity brings so much enthusiasm, and a sincere effort to support us in all regards,” Rosales said. “They made a check presentation during our poly hockey team’s practice because their donation covered our registration, travel and accommodation expenses for the state finals last month, in Lansing. They stayed and watched the team practice, and interacted with the athletes, which was a big treat for everyone involved.”
Hartley said the Haunted House was a first-time event for their chapter, which they hope is at least as successful in coming years.
“I am glad I had the time and help necessary to put on a successful event for Phi Sigma Kappa, and Special Olympics,” Hartley said. “One of my fraternity brothers, Jeremiah Hoover is well informed about what it will take to repeat the process, and I am sure he will do a great job next year.”
Ferris students in the Sports Communication program and the Criminal Justice Department’s
Law Enforcement Academy organize fundraisers for Special Olympics or take part in
the organization’s Law Enforcement Torch Run and Polar Plunge events, respectively.
PHOTO CAPTION: Trevor Hartley (right), of Phi Sigma Kappa, presents the donation check
to Bryan Holm (left). The PSK Haunted House event raised funds that were donated to
Area 5 Special Olympics.