Cal U sorority holds annual ‘Rock-a-thon’
CALIFORNIA – In an effort to raise money for the National Kidney Foundation, the Phi Sigma Sigma sorority of California University of Pennsylvania has organized its 12th annual Rock-a-thon. The Rock-a-thon began Wednesday at 2 p.m. in front of the Rite Aid in California, and the 26 students participating said they would “rock” in a swing for 24 hours.
Sorority member Heather Copeland said they also have a co-sponsor each year that raises money for another cause. This year the TKE fraternity is working with them to raise money for Alzheimer’s research. The money raised will be divided equally between the two groups.
“We’ll be here for 24 hours rain or shine,” said Copeland, as she and her sorority sister Betsy Lyle commented that it almost always rains during the Rock-a-thon.
Lyle said the Rock-a-thon is a Phi Sigma Sigma tradition that goes back 90 years.
“A lot of variations on the tradition take place,” said Lyle. “We have used teeter-totters and rocking chairs before and some chapters do a dance version of the Rock-a-thon.”
The students laughed as they recalled having stiff muscles and being very worn out after the riding on the teeter-totters all night and being caught out in the rain, but they believe their efforts are always worth it.
“Last year, we raised $800 for the National Kidney Foundation,” said Copeland. “This year, we’re going for more than that. We just want to collect as much as we can.”
The students said that although it is sometimes difficult to keep going for 24 hours, they still have a good time working for the cause, and the college’s food service even provides them with food.
“Rite Aid has always been cooperative with us being here,” said Copeland. “And we always have a good time hanging out together.”