Pi Kappa Alpha to raise money through self-auction event

The men of Pi Kappa Alpha are taking a different approach to raise money for their philanthropy, by auctioning themselves to support the Boys and Girls Club.

From 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, they will take the stage of the Whittenberger Auditorium for the first “Rent-A-Pike” event and auction themselves off to members of the community.
Bids will start at $5, and one can buy up to four hours of work.

“The brothers are definitely behind it,” Philanthropy Chairman and sophomore Brent Stabiner said. “It’s weird, but they know somewhat of what they’re getting into. I think a lot of them are excited about it. It should be fun.”

While Stabiner said the brothers will not partake in services or work that are dangerous or embarrassing, he said he expects a lot of people will rent the brothers for sober rides, cleaning or everyday maintenance.

“I imagine I’ll be cleaning out a car or vacuuming a room,” said junior Cameron Riccardi. “I figure we’ll be doing the small stuff that college students really don’t have time for.”

Stabiner said the idea of “Rent-a-Pike” has been a long time coming — a similar event already happens at Purdue University — and Stabiner said the Pikes here always thought it would be an interesting way to get attention for a
worthwhile cause.

“It’s a really unique way of earning money and doing community service,” Stabiner said.

All members and pledges of the fraternity are required to complete eight hours of community service, and the four hours of purchased work count toward that total.

To also help raise money and draw attention to the event, the brothers have paired with BuffaLouie’s for a percentage night tonight.

For the most part, Stabiner said, the community has been very supportive.
“We’re not only trying to get people to support the cause,” he said. “We’re trying to get people to come, to get the word out. That’s the hardest part.”

Once someone wins the Pi Kappa Alpha, he or she will have the semester to use the four hours of work. All bids will expire at the end of the semester.

Jessica Wienhold’s boyfriend is a member of Pi Kappa Alpha. She said she isn’t sure yet who she will bid on — or if she’ll hire more than one brother — but she has plenty of things for them to do.

“I’d say right now, someone will probably be cutting the grass,” she said.