After debuting Hoop-a-Paluza in 2006, Kappa Alpha decided to spice it up for 2007, transforming it from a free throw contest to a three-on-three basketball tournament. They even added a cookout the night before the Saturday event to make it more of a weekend-long celebration. More than 100 people participated on teams that received pledges from parents, friends, businesses and others to sponsor them in the tournament.

With donations and the registration fee for teams, the part-tournament, part-party raised a whopping $20,553 last year. Philanthropy Chairman Katie Orr is thrilled at the willingness of students and others to be part of raising money for a good cause.

“We have a very giving campus and giving community,” she said. An attractive aspect of Hoop-a-Paluza is that it allows sororities and fraternities to interact in a fun, competitive environment, she said. “Students on our campus look forward to Hoop-a-Paluza. It’s an inclusive event that is a lot of fun for everyone who participates.”

Katie, who is majoring in special education, also sees the personal impact of efforts such as theirs. Her 9-year-old brother, Joseph, was born with a heart condition and has had three open heart surgeries. He receives his checkups at the hospital that is a recipient of the funds raised for Children’s Miracle Network by the Kappa Alpha chapter.

“We get to see first-hand the benefit of our hard work and where our money goes,” Katie said.

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