NEW YORK, March 26, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This weekend (March 27-29), SeriousFun Children's Network, a charity founded by Paul Newman, and Phi Kappa Tau, the national fraternal organization of the late actor and philanthropist, will co-host the 5th Annual Phi Kappa Tau National Community Service Event at Camp Boggy Creek, the SeriousFun camp in Florida. The event will also mark the 20th anniversary of the partnership between SeriousFun and Phi Kappa Tau, and will convene undergraduates and alumni from Phi Kappa Tau chapters across the country, to help the camp prepare for their spring and summer programs.
The fraternity brothers will spend the weekend building, painting, and cleaning in preparation in preparation for arrival of children for summer camp. The National Community Service Event helps to create an emotional connection to camp that will inspire fraternity members to share the message and experience of camp with their local chapters and communities.
"Paul Newman's legacy of philanthropy and service has been a guiding force for fraternity brothers these past 20 years, said Tim Hudson, CEO, Phi Kappa Tau. "It gives us a tremendous sense of pride to have the opportunity to support these camps and the deserving children and families who benefit from them."
In addition to the National Community Service Event, Phi Kappa Tau Foundation will launch an alumni fundraising campaign to benefit SeriousFun. Funds raised will support travel stipends for undergraduates who volunteer at camp. Hundreds of Phi Kappa Tau men annually volunteer as cabin counselors, activity specialists, unit leaders, and other camp staff during the summer sessions.
SeriousFun Children's Network has served as Phi Kappa Tau's national charity partner since 1995. Inspired by actor, philanthropist, SeriousFun founder and Phi Kappa Tau alumnus Paul Newman (Ohio Univ. 1943), chapters around the country raise money and awareness and volunteering their time to ensure that children can attend camp free of charge. As a national organization, Phi Kappa Tau contributes nearly $100,000 to SeriousFun camps every year.
"As one of SeriousFun's longest standing partnerships, we are grateful to the brothers and alumni of Phi Kappa Tau who have supported and continue to support SeriousFun camps and Paul Newman's incredible legacy," said Mary Beth Powers, CEO, SeriousFun Children's Network. "Their collective effort is inspiring and truly makes a difference in the lives of the children and families we serve."
Phi Kappa Tau hosted its previous National Community Service Event in in 2014 at Camp Korey, the SeriousFun Camp in Washington and in 2013 at Flying Horse Farms, the SeriousFun Camp in Ohio.
About SeriousFun Children's Network
SeriousFun Children's Network is a growing global community of 30 camps and programs serving children with serious illnesses and their families, always free of charge. Founded by Paul Newman in 1988, SeriousFun has served more than 440,000 children and families from more than 50 countries. Each member camp is an independent, not-for-profit organization dependent upon private funding to serve all children at no cost to their families. A Support Center raises funds and provides quality standards and services for all SeriousFun camps and programs. To learn more about SeriousFun, visit www.seriousfunnetwork.org.
About Phi Kappa Tau
Founded in 1906 at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, Phi Kappa Tau is a national fraternity that fosters three core ideals within its membership: learning, leading and serving. Phi Kappa Tau includes 83 chapters and 10 colonies with nearly 4,500 undergraduates in the United States, and has served more than 93,000 initiates throughout the past 109 years. The mission of Phi Kappa Tau is to champion a lifelong commitment to brotherhood, learning, ethical leadership and exemplary character. (www.phikappatau.org)
About Camp Boggy Creek
Founded in 1996, Camp Boggy Creek is a year-round medical camp for children with serious illnesses. Co-founded by actor/philanthropist Paul Newman and General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, the camp offers week-long summer sessions and family retreat weekends at no cost to the children or families. Located in Eustis, Florida, the 232-acre nonprofit serves children ages 7–16 that have been diagnosed with chronic or life-threatening conditions. The camp is entirely funded by generous donations from individuals, corporations, foundations and healthcare partners. Camp Boggy Creek is a proud member of SeriousFun Children's Network. Learn more by visiting www.campboggycreek.org.
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