Pi Kappa Alpha brothers celebrate after winning an intramural basketball championship in spring 2013. The fraternity will host a philanthropy event Sunday in honor of member Luke Powers, who died in late September.
Suha Saya
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After the death of junior Luke Powers during this fall quarter’s first week of classes, Pi Kappa Alpha (PIKE) is hosting a barbecue and fundraiser in remembrance of their friend.
The event will be Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. and all funds go toward a mental health and suicide prevention foundation in San Luis Obispo that Powers’ parents chose.
According to the Facebook event page, PIKE and Powers’ family intend to honor “his free spirited legacy and strong desire to give back to the youth throughout his life.”
For the event, PIKE is encouraging all people from the Cal Poly community — whether they are involved in greek life or not — to attend.
“This definitely took a big toll on our fraternity, but we also know that it took a big toll on Cal Poly,” said Nick Salvucci, an agriculture communications senior, former PIKE president and the fraternity’s current public relations chair. “We thought this would be a good thing to do as an organization for our community and Luke’s friends and family.
Wine and viticulture junior Ryan McKean, PIKE’s philanthropy chair, agreed.
“Luke was not only close to those involved in greek life, but he was close to a bunch of Cal Poly members,” McKean said. “This is for everyone in the community.”
PIKE members hope the casual get-together will bring everyone in the community to reminisce about memories they shared with Powers.
“It’s all about people coming together to celebrate Luke’s life,” construction management junior Alex Wright said. “We want people to come together and share stories about Luke and the good times they’ve had with him.”
PIKE also hopes to mimic Powers’ friendly spirit through the event, PIKE Vice President and history junior Nico Mamone said.
“It’s a salvation of Luke’s life,” Mamone said. “Luke was the kind of guy who was the helping hand for anyone that needed it. That’s what we’re trying to do here. This event brings everyone together under the current situation to be there for each other and support each other … it’s what we’re here for and what we need to do for others during this time.”
For more information or to order tickets in advance, the Facebook page provides contact information for PIKE’s philanthropy chairs.