Emporia State’s Phi Delta Theta chapter broke its annual Pole Sit fundraising record by over $4,000. As of Monday, Oct. 7, the total donation amount was just over $12,000. This number is still subject to change as more donations roll in. At the 2023 Pole Sit, Phi Delta Theta achieved the previous record of $7,633.25.

Friday, Oct. 4 was Phi Delta Theta’s 39th annual Homecoming Pole Sit at Kellogg Circle off 12th Avenue and Commercial St; this was their 38th year supporting SOS, Inc, a local non-profit organization aimed at serving victims of domestic and sexual violence, child abuse, neglect, stalking and human trafficking. 

Paying homage to the 1920s pole sitting fad, members of Phi Delta Theta took turns sitting atop a 13-foot pole while others stood on the street corners to attract donations. The Pole Sit itself lasted 24 hours from 12 p.m. Friday to 12 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, but the online donation period began weeks in advance.

Phi Delta Theta set a goal of $10,000 for 2024. Chris Peine, Phi Delta Theta’s philanthropy chair and recruitment chair, said they put forth extra effort to reach this goal, such as extending the donation period, going to local businesses, and hosting events at the Pole Sit on Friday. The fraternity hosted Pie a Phi, where people could pay to pie a member of Phi Delta Theta in the face, a hot dog stand, a photo challenge and an open mic. Individuals could also donate to sit on the pole themselves. According to Phi Delta Theta’s social media, a Wichita couple even pledged to match $2,000 in online donations.

In subsequent years, Peine predicts that $10,000 will be the minimum goal for the Homecoming Pole Sit.  Once Phi Delta Theta finalizes the dollar count, members will present SOS, Inc. with a check for that amount.

For more information about SOS, Inc. and its services, visitsoskansas.com.