Phi Delta Theta hosts "Phi-Stock," unites New Brunswick Community

Total hours spent tabling: 12. Tickets, when purchased in advance: five dollars. Tickets when bought at the door upon arrival: seven dollars. The impact of one fraternity uniting to promote philanthropy in its collegiate community: priceless.

The brothers of Phi Delta Theta welcomed Rutgers students and New Brunswick locals alike on Thursday, April 2, into their 11 Union Street residence for “Phi-Stock,” a philanthropic basement show through which funds were raised for Dance Marathon and Phi Delta Theta’s cornerstone beneficiary, the ALS Association.

Collin Schauffhauser, Phi Delta Theta’s Philanthropy Chair, cited the inspiration for “Phi-Stock” as being emergent from within the fraternity. The organization boasts a brother who participates in an a capella group, among several other members who play in local bands.

“Phi-Stock” was not simply an event to raise money for Dance Marathon and ALS, but a unique opportunity for Phi Delta Theta brothers to use their musical talent as a medium through which they could play an intimate role in fundraising. 

Several brothers assembled to perform together in a sort of Phi Delta Theta band at “Phi-Stock.”

While the conceptualization of “Phi-Stock” may have come rather effortlessly, the event’s organization required quite a bit of work. 

Schauffhauser, a School of Arts and Sciences junior, described the acute attention brothers placed on band selection and offering attendees a variety of musical sounds. 

“We wanted a decent enough variety so people couldn’t come out and say ‘oh, they played all Blink-182 songs.’ We wanted bands that would make people want to stay for the whole show,” Schauffhauser stated.

The desire to bring quality, diverse musical entertainment to “Phi-Stock” was reflected in the brothers’ careful choice of bands. 

Although Phi Delta Theta received many offers from interested bands seeking a time slot, not all of the volunteering groups could be included. 

The selection process was rigorous. Brothers began with an initial number of 10 potential bands, and narrowed that number down to seven, and eventually, five. Brothers listened to sample songs provided by the bands in order to make their final decisions on who would headline the event.

Phi Delta Theta’s focus on making “Phi-Stock” an enjoyable, dry event for all was far from fruitless, and proved successful in attracting fellow members of the Rutgers Greek community, as well as those who did not belong to a fraternity or sorority. 

“There was a good mix of brothers and just general music lovers from the New Brunswick area,” said Schauffhauser.

Phi Delta Theta President, Shawn Elwood voiced his enthusiasm regarding the event’s reception. 

When asked about his favorite moment of “Phi-Stock,” the School of Arts and Sciences junior responded, “Being able to walk around, and see so many people come to our house. Sometimes it’s hard to get people excited about philanthropy events.”

Chandler Edwardson, a School of Arts and Sciences sophomore, is currently pledging Phi Delta Theta, making “Phi-Stock” one of his first major philanthropic events with the fraternity. 

The event resonated with Edwardson too, who declared that “’Phi-Stock" affirmed that "Phi Delt’ was a good choice for him.

They really care about philanthropy, and raising money for different organizations," he said. "But with ‘Phi-Stock,’ they did it in a way that got more people involved.”

Event turnout was not the only accomplishment worth celebrating. Brothers of Phi Delta Theta exhibited their ambition and dedication to philanthropy by striving to create an event that would generate funds for not one, but two charitable causes.

Schauffhauser’s monetary goal rested at $500. Although the fraternity has not yet released its grand total for the event, it has already doubled its goal.

Schauffhauser proudly shared that the current amount hovered around $1,100, but was mindful that this number could rise, as the counting process is ongoing.

While Dance Marathon and ALS served as the motivating forces behind “Phi-Stock,” their purpose remains deeply engrained in Phi Delta Theta’s philanthropic pursuits. 

Schauffhauser highlighted the importance of Dance Marathon participation to the fraternity.

“It’s something that we try to get every brother involved in, every year we try to raise more and more and more.”

Phi Delta Theta raised approximately $10,000 for the cause last year, and has already broken the $15,000 mark this year. 

Schauffhauser extended the importance of Dance Marathon to the current events and controversy surrounding Greek life worldwide.

“We want to send more brothers to show that the stereotypes about Greek life in general aren’t as concrete as they seem," he said. "The whole point of my position is to show people that the stereotypes aren’t always true. There are good people in Greek life.”

The fraternity’s affiliation with ALS fundraising is also noteworthy, and personal. Phi Delta Theta seeks to raise money for ALS on account of Lou Gehrig himself, who attended Columbia University as a Phi Delta Theta brother.

Considering the success of “Phi-Stock” in its first year, Schauffhauser thanked the participating bands and attendees, and shared his desire to make it an annual event. 

“I’m hoping this is something we do every year in the spring, (and that) this is something I leave behind in the fraternity. I hope this becomes something everyone wants to participate in."