Tau-Zeta Chapter Jumpathon for St. Jude

INDIANAPOLIS - This past spring, the Tau-Zeta chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon at Western Connecticut State University held their biggest event of the 2014-15 academic year, Jumpathon. The event was designed to raise money for Frater Danny Thomas' (Gamma-Nu, University of Toledo) notable work, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. During the event, Fraters took turns jumping on a trampoline for 24 consecutive hours while taking donations and informing spectators of the lifesaving mission of St. Jude.

The Fraters utilized #JumpForTheCure and #TKEJumps on social media to draw attention to the event prior to the first bounce, which began at midnight. By utilizing the hashtag, dozens of photos and supportive messages were submitted in recognition of the event.

The originality of the event brought a level of awareness and appreciation that stood out from many other events on campus. Students and faculty members alike had an opportunity to participate in the event. The chapter set up a second trampoline for students to jump and a letter writing station for positive messages to the children of St. Jude. The chapter also created a "Pie-A-Teke" station to keep the energy high. During the event, food and drink refreshments accompanied games of volleyball and ultimate Frisbee. A DJ and live band also made their way to the event.

"Jumpathon was a fun way to raise money," said Frater Cory Ziman, Whalers Grand Province Advisor. "With public coverage of our event through social media and local radio station 98Q, the turnout exceeded our expectations."

At the end of the 24-hour event, the Tau-Zeta chapter raised $3,080 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital through credit and cash donations.

For more information, please contact:

Daniel Klopfenstein
Communications Specialist
317.872.6533
DKlopfenstein@tke.org