The annual Sigma Phi Epsilon Haunted House will take place Oct. 24 and 25 from 7-11 p.m. at the fraternity’s chapter house across the street from Showalter Hall. The “Philena” will transform from fraternity house to a house of frights to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.
For the first time since the philanthropy event began more than a decade ago, the fraternity’s haunted house will be held in partnership with ASEWU. “A main reason behind the ASEWU’s decision to create this event was to foster relationships with students and the university,” said ASEWU President Dahir Jigre via email. “With a main goal this year of positively impacting students’ lives, the ASEWU felt that this would be a great opportunity to give back to EWU.”
According to Kyle Dodson, Vice President of Programs for the fraternity, the haunted house typically raises about $2,000 for charity. “We chose the Wounded Warrior Project because everyone in the house is very patriotic and we have some active brothers in the chapter who are in the reserves, as well as alumni who are or have been in the armed forces,” said Dodson.
While the haunted house is a free event open to students, faculty, staff (and their families) and Cheney residents, Sigma Phi Epsilon will give any donations to the Wounded Warrior Project. Jigre suggested a $5 donation, which will be collected at the door.
“We’re excited to be doing this with ASEWU and to help get the Greek system involved with the university more. We want to be a fraternity that helps and is a benefit to the university and community we’re a part of,” said Dodson. “One-hundred percent of the donations will be given to the Wounded Warrior Project.”
A tour guide will lead groups through the two floors of fraternity house, which will have Halloween-themed rooms (think: scary clowns, masks, etc.). Guides will communicate with those involved in the rooms so as to make the tour age appropriate for younger children.