Phi Delta Theta held their 38th annual Pole Sit from 6 a.m. Oct. 27 to 10 a.m. Oct 28. The Pole Sit raised money for local SOS Inc.
Emporia State’s Phi Delta Theta fraternity held its 38th annual Pole-Sit during Homecoming weekend on Oct. 27 and 28.
During the event, members of the fraternity took turns sitting atop a 13-foot pole in front of the Emporia State University sign in Kellogg Circle for a total of 28 hours. Other participants had buckets and signs encouraging passersby to donate to SOS, Inc., a local organization spreading awareness of and supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
Phi Delta Theta has partnered with SOS, Inc. during Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Oct. to support their efforts in preventing domestic and sexual violence, child abuse and neglect, stalking, and human trafficking. The fraternity has been in partnership with SOS, Inc. for many years, and this year, they set a new record for the total monetary donations earned during the Pole-Sit. According to Phi Delta Theta president Chris Peine, the fraternity raised a total of $7,633.25 for SOS, Inc. from both online and in person donations, beating 2022’s record of $7,451.17.
SOS, Inc. started in 1976 as a way to serve victims of sexual assault. Since then, the organization has expanded its services greatly. They believe that “public education and awareness help to prevent abuse and alter the societal acceptance of interpersonal violence,” as emphasized on their website.
The organization offers services such as shelter for those experiencing domestic violence, advocacy, prevention education, and protection orders. They also have a 24/7 helpline available at 1-800-825-1205 or by texting “SOSKS” to 847411.
Phi Delta Theta dedicated the 2023 Pole-Sit to Connie Cahoone, the longtime executive director of SOS, Inc., who announced her retirement for early 2024. Phi Delta Theta presented Cahoone with the $7.6k check on Nov 13. Cahoone, in an interview with KVOE, expressed her gratitude for Phi Delta Theta.
“It’s amazing the reach that [the Pole-Sit] has [beyond the community],” Cahoone said in the interview.
Both SOS, Inc. and Phi Delta Theta look forward to next year’s Pole-Sit and hope to break their record once again.