Despite the brisk night air, the Delta Theta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma hosted its eigth annual “Sleep Out For Cancer” Friday, Nov. 2.
Sleep out for cancer is a collaborative program that Phi Beta Sigma hosts in association with the American Cancer Society. “This event brings in thousands of dollars each year and we present the check to the American Cancer Society ourselves,” said chapter president Antaius Byrd.
“Last year we had a lot of participation and support from other organizations, especially Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority, Inc.,” he added.
So far the organization has collected over $250 and will continue collecting donations once a week in the Memorial Student Center until the end of the semester.
This generous effort was first thought of by former chapter president, Lamar Longhorn, in 1999.
Gary Hill, second vice regional director and regional board member, encouraged other chapters at the regional board meeting to participate in the Gulf Coast region and to make an effort to host their own event at their respective schools.
“We’re trying to step it up a notch this school year,” said Byrd. “It’ll give us a chance to show everyone what we’re about.”
Cris Garner, a chapter member, said, “This was nothing but a big slumber party. We had music and each other and we had lots of fun. I wasn’t worried about anything because I was sleeping on my air mattress.”
The display was that of a big campout. Many of the people who participated had blankets and sleeping bags.
Others decided that they would stay up through the night. Chapter advisor Charles Crockett said jokingly, “I have my premium coffee and I’m going to stay up all night. I don’t want any of these PV squirrels to carry any of them away.”
When asked how they felt about sleeping outside with the threat of bugs and climate, junior history major and chapter member Darian Corneilius said, “You feel comfortable out here and it helps that you have that extra bond with your brothers.”
Crockett explained, “Students here at the university realize that this a legitimate cause. Everybody realized that somebody is suffering from cancer. Everybody who has someone in their family that is distressed because someone they know has cancer. Cancer is a serious issue among students.”
Crockett is not alone in his sentiments. Other students came out to support the organization and the cause.
Senior management information systems major and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. member Keisha Walker stated that she participated “because it is a good cause, this is my second time out here and also I came to support my brothers.”
No one seemed bothered by the climate or the insects, and even though there was no agenda set for the evening there weren’t any concerns.
Darryl Flags, a senior architecture major, admitted, “It’s chilly and this will be a fun experience for me. We’re sleeping out for a good cause. It’s always better when you’re actually doing it for someone else. And no the bugs don’t bother me,” he added with a chuckle. The fraternity plans on making this year a very eventful and productive one.
“This is one of many events that we’re going to host and hope each successive one is more successful than the previous,” said Byrd.