UNM fraternity Pi Kappa Phi will host a haunted house benefit raising money for their philanthropy foundation, The Ability Experience, at the Cottages of New Mexico’s clubhouse on Friday.
All of the profit made from the event will be donated to The Ability Experience, a foundation that provides “support and advocacy for those affected by mental and/or physical disabilities,” as stated by Pi Kappa Phi’s Lawrence Rael on their Facebook page.
The clubhouse of horrors will be a haunted house with an after-party by the pool. The theme for the event is “creepy carnival," said Matt Feddersen, Pi Kappa Phi event coordinator.
Founded in 1977, The Ability Experience’s mission is to use shared experiences to support people with disabilities and develop the men of Pi Kappa Phi into servant leaders, according to their website.
“This organization is important because it focuses on what disabled people can do, it helps them feel more able and more accepted in our society,” said Robert Collins, Pi Kappa Phi’s philanthropy chair head.
Pi Kappa Phi, which has been on campus just over a year, is looking to the Albuquerque community for donations to keep the production costs as low as possible. So far they have had up to $100 donated from Home Depot, Feddersen said. They have been accepting Halloween decorations and other Halloween themed décor to help transform the clubhouse. The lower the cost to host the event the more profit that Pi Kappa Phi will have to donate.
“This is our first fundraiser for our national philanthropy foundation,” Collins said. “We hope to do big fundraisers like this once or twice a semester.”
The after-party by the pool will have a candy buffet, a live DJ, and other Halloween ‘fright night’ events. The fraternity is encouraging everyone to come out in their Halloween attire. Cheba Hut will be giving out free munchies and other goodies to those who attend the clubhouse of horrors.
Guests will be allowed through the clubhouse in groups of four, “so choose your survival partners wisely,” said the Pi Kappa Phi Facebook event page. The fraternity hopes to raise at least $1,000 for The Ability Experience and have a turnout of at least 200 guests, according to Feddersen.
Tickets can be purchased at the door, they will be $10 for those who have a UNM or military I.D. However, entry is free for all residents who have their amenities pass, although there is a five dollar suggested donation.
The Ability Experience is Pi Kappa Phi’s national philanthropy program founded in 1977. Pi Kappa Phi is a relatively new fraternity to the UNM campus. The fraternity has 38 associated members, said Pi Kappa Phi’s Vice President Floyd Silva.
Ashley Neighbor is a student in the Communications and Journalism Department.
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