Fraternity's laps will raise thousands for local fire crews
Kelly Shur, Staff Writer
Issue date: 4/18/07 Section: Features
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Ripon College's Phi Delta Theta Fraternity is holding its seventh annual Firefighter Run April 22 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The event will be held to raise money for the Ripon Fire Department.
In particular, the fire fighters will put the money toward the construction of a tower that can be used for training exercises.
Right now, there is no such tower, which would allow the firefighters to simulate dangerous situations in a crontrolled environment located in Ripon or immediate surrounding areas.
"The brothers of Phi Delta Theta will run a total of 200 laps in full firefighter gear," says Mitch Winn, president of the fraternity. "[The gear adds] about an extra 50-75 pounds of weight."
While the Phi Delta Theta brothers are sweating it out, students and community members will have the opportunity to engage in various activities.
"[Hopefully there is] some good weather to run in," says Winn.
Brats and hotdogs will be available for purchase and music will be playing throughout the Quad.
Also, a firefighter challenge will be held in which teams compete in an obstacle course.
The group able to complete the course with the best time will be awarded a prize.
"Hopefully we have a good turn out again," says Winn.
The event, originally started by the fraternity's fomer advisor Jody Roy, has received more attention from both the Ripon College campus and the surrounding community each year it has taken place.
"Over the [last six] years, we have raised more than $32,000," says Winn. "Each year we have raised a good $4,000 to $5,000 and we usually have a good 200 to 300 people show up to support the event."
Winn says he and the rest of the fraternity are hoping to raise that kind of money again this year. They also say they believe their donation will help support a worthy cause because it will promote a stronger firefighter program.
"All of the money is going toward the training of firefighters," Winn says. "If a fire should break out, wouldn't you want the best trained firefighters?"
Right now, the Ripon Fire Department must travel for over an hour to reach the nearest training tower, which is located in Madison.
The new one, when constructed, will be available for use by all local departments.
Not only will the community benefit in having better trained firefighters, but the construction of the new tower will bring more attention to the area, as well as bringing other fire departments to Ripon from other towns to use the facility.
This weekend, Phi Delta Theta will be doing its best to bring as many people as possible to the Quad to help support the philanthropic event.
"Just come out, enjoy the food and music and cheer us on because that equipment is really heavy," says Winn.
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