Pi Kappa Alpha's FireFighter Challenge benefits Indiana burn victims, promotes FSL unity

This year’s FireFighter Challenge Philanthropy Event, hosted by Pi Kappa Alpha (PIKE), was hosted on Sept. 19 on the West Lawn from 2:00-4:00 p.m. The entire PIKE chapter is helping to host this light-hearted charity competition with firefighting-themed obstacles. 

Participation was open to any and everyone so long as the individuals form teams of four, donate $20 per team, and go out and compete. There was no Fraternity and Sorority Life affiliation requirement, and freshmen were encouraged to come out and participate. Although there was a built-in $5 per person donation, individuals are welcome to give more through the chapter’s Venmo account.

Most of the proceeds from the event will go to Hoosier Burn Camp, a non-profit organization that helps treat burn victims throughout the state of Indiana. The remaining funds will go to the Washington Township Volunteer Fire Department.

“Anyone is welcome to come out and participate, donate however you like,” said Carter Puckett, the fraternity’s president, prior to the event. “Any and all support is welcome. We’re very happy to get this event back up and running again. Slowly getting back to how things were before COVID. Seeing the community together.”

Puckett is in his eighth semester as a member of the fraternity. Puckett is a natural leader and has served in multiple executive positions. He started as Secretary, moved his way up to Vice President of New Member Development, and is currently serving as the chapter’s President.

“[I am] not necessarily ‘the’ leader, we have a lot of great guys, great leaders,” said Puckett, when asked about his leadership.  

The philanthropy event comes weeks after the chapter announced the development of their new property off Union Street. No proceeds from this event will be going to this housing project, but the gentlemen of Pi Kappa Alpha are definitely hoping to demonstrate their leadership at the event in hopes alumni notice their dedication. 

“We’re excited, it's great to see these things come together. It’s been a long journey,” says Puckett. 

Anyone interested in joining the fraternity, learning more about donations to the housing project, or wishing to get involved in the philanthropy event is encouraged to contact Carter Puckett directly at his Valparaiso University email, carter.puckett@valpo.edu, or his President email, pike.president@valpo.edu. 

“The purpose of the Epsilon Beta Chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha is to exceed expectations in all regards, in the attainment of knowledge, in the development of leadership in our community, in achievement of victory on the battlefields of athletics, and the development of our brotherhood, all while having the characteristics of humble, respectful, and confident gentlemen,” their website states. 

Eligible students who believe they would make an impact on campus can learn more by checking out their Instagram page, @valpopike.