NDSU TKE Fraternity and KAT Sorority Swing Dance for 60 Straight Hours

[The1calledTKE]

Members of Greek Life Swing
By Kari Bitz
Staff Writer

SU students are getting into the swing of things, as Kappa Alpha
Theta and Tau Kappa Epsilon gear up for their annual "Swing-a-thon".
Beginning April 9, these Greeks will join forces and swing for 60
straight hours to raise money for charity.

Kurt Kruger, Philanthropy Chair for TKE, said it's a great
experience for all involved.

"The time we spend out there goes fast," he said.

Nearly 100 members dance for funds. Carrie Baumgartner of KAT
explained the fundraising process.

"Our members gather donations door to door prior to the event," she
said. The rest of the money comes from donations during the
actual "Swing-a thon."

All of the proceeds are donated to the organizations' respective
charity. Money raised by KAT goes to the CASA Foundation, which is
an organization that helps abused children through the court
systems. TKE donates their money to the Special Olympics program.

"We really enjoy the cause," Kruger said. "One of the greatest
things to see is that we're helping people locally and nationally."

This year, the event will take place near SU in front of the
Northland Educators Credit Union, at 1404 12th Ave. N.

Kruger encourages SU students to come out to the event.

"There's going to be music and snacks there," he said. "It's a good
time for anyone willing to stop by."

The crew will be working from 9 a.m. Wednesday until Friday, April
11 at 9 p.m. Those wanting to donate can visit the site, and drop
off donations. The goal for this year's event is $5,000.

The Special Olympics program was first organized in 1986 to provide
year round training and athletic opportunities to millions of
disabled children and young adults around the world. Nearly 2,000
North Dakotans participate in the Special Olympics. As the summer
games approach, the organization is grateful for the help received
from the students at SU.

"We've been doing this event for over 15 years," Baumgartner
said. "It's a fun way to gain support for our causes."