Fraternity Sleep-Out Feb. 13 to Raise Assault Awareness
Contact: Nick DeHaas, (207) 831-2083; George Manlove, 581-3756
ORONO–The Beta Eta Chapter of Beta Theta Pi, the University of Maine’s oldest fraternity, will hold its 16th annual sleep-out Feb. 13 at the fraternity house at 12 Munson Road on the Orono campus.
The event raises money and awareness for the mission of Rape Response Services of Bangor, a non-profit organization providing education, counseling and sexual assault prevention services in Penobscot and Piscataquis counties. Last year’s Beta sleep-out raised in excess of $5,000.
As part of this year’s sleep-out, Beta Theta Pi’s 50 members will be selling raffle tickets in the Memorial Union Feb. 9-13.
The sleep-out starts at 6 p.m., Feb. 13. Fraternity members will assemble on the front lawn of the Beta house and will remain outside until 6 o’clock the following morning. Members will have a bonfire for warmth and light during the night.
“We would like for this to be more than just a fundraising event,” says Nick DeHaas, public relations chair of the Beta Eta Chapter. “Public involvement is essential to raising awareness.”
Sexual assault remains an acute problem in society, according to DeHaas, who says statistics show that one in four young females will be sexually abused before reaching the age of 18. And only one in seven will seek help. The Beta Eta Chapter of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity encourages the public to stop by and help raise awareness for Rape Response Services of Bangor. Members of the university and surrounding communities also are encouraged to show support by visiting the sleep-out or making a donation prior to the event.
For more information, DeHaas can be reached at (207) 831-2083. Donations may be mailed to Beta Theta Pi at 12 Munson Rd., Orono, ME, 04469, Attn. Sleep-Out.