Phi Kappa Tau to rock out, fundraise for kids

Customers will get more than chicken wings today at BuffaLouie’s.

Five bands will compete at the restaurant, 114 S. Indiana Ave., for Phi Kappa Tau’s Battle of the Bands, the fraternity’s biggest philanthropy event since they came back to campus in 2003.

Phi Kappa Tau Philanthropy Chair junior Nick Schatko said the event will feature good music and good food.

“It’s a fun thing that people can do over Homecoming week,” Schatko said. “Everyone loves music. A lot of people connect with it.”

The night will benefit Phi Kappa Tau’s national philanthropy Hole in the Wall Camps, an organization with 11 camps around the world for children with serious illnesses. The organization pays for every camper’s expenses, said junior Patrick Wilson, Phi Kappa Tau vice president.

“It’s kids trying to have a normal camp experience because they can’t go to other camps,” Wilson said.

During the event, which the fraternity wants to make an annual event, bands will compete for $50 and the Battle of the Bands winning title. Schatko said members of Phi Kappa Tau asked their friends in bands to participate.

Schatko also said they are hoping for a good turnout. BuffaLouie’s General Manager Scott Rogers said Thursday nights are usually busy.

“We are expecting a packed house,” Rogers said.

He also said the restaurant has a new stage.

Because Phi Kappa Tau is a relatively new fraternity, Wilson said it is important to get the word out and get a full crowd so people can learn about the house.

“We want people to know what type of guys we are,” Wilson said. “We are men of character, and we’re doing things for the underprivileged.”

For Wilson, helping sick children is the main reason for the Battle of the Bands because he has seen the camps first hand. He volunteered over the summer at one of the camps in California for two weeks.

“It was the most life-changing experience I’ve ever had,” Wilson said. “One of my kids in the camp didn’t have arms below his elbows and legs below his knees, but he still swam and he still jump roped.”

Wilson said it is important for the fraternity to contribute to the camps because they are losing corporate sponsorships. The organization also lost its founder, the late actor and philanthropist Paul Newman, in September. Newman was a member of Phi Kappa Tau.

Schatko said he and his brothers hope Battle of the Bands will attract people to learn about Hole in the Wall Camps.

“It’s all about getting people involved with the organization,” Schatko said. “When you have something people will like and show up to, you can really get the information out.”