Students rushing to class the past few days may have noticed some guys relaxing on recliners and throwing frisbees around on College Green, while surrounded by other singing students.
These were not Penn students locked out of their dorms -- this was the Fourth Annual Rock for the Homeless event in which members of the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity camped out on College Green from Thursday at 5 p.m. to Saturday at 5 p.m. to raise awareness about homelessness.
The event also featured performances by the a cappella groups Inspiration, Quaker Notes and Off the Beat.
The proceeds for the event went to the University City Hospitality Coalition, an organization that has food pantries and soup kitchens in the University City area.
Last year, AEPi raised about $1,500. This year, they have raised upwards of $1,400. The Penn chapter also matches a certain percentage of the proceeds.
The event was led by AEPi brothers Wharton senior Jonathan Gantman and College senior Robert Bassman.
These brothers were the only people required to participate in the event, but they were joined by many others and enjoyed kindness from strangers and had late-night fun.
A graduate student brought the brothers hot apple cider and a freshman brought hot chocolate. One of their brothers also played the guitar.
Even a homeless man contributed to the cause when he gave the brothers a nickel and thanked them for their efforts.
They were also given food by neighborhood establishments such as Famous Famiglia and Allegro's.
Gantman noted that this event makes the fraternity and the poverty situation "very visible on campus" and "raises awareness" for the homeless.
"It is important once in a while to give back," Bassman added.
AEPi Philanthropy Chairman and College sophomore Jeff Rechler said it was important that not just the two brothers were outside supporting the cause.
"Everyone has to be here... the whole brotherhood," Rechler said. "It's important we support them in the cause."
"A lot of Greek houses are known for throwing parties," AEPi brother and College sophomore Alvin Rosenblum said. "It's important to show we throw other things."
Even the a cappella groups were adamant in supporting the cause.
"The Quaker Notes likes to support as many charitable causes as we can," said College junior and Sigma Delta Tau sister Emily Conn, a member of the Quaker Notes.
She also praised the brothers for their efforts. "They are empathizing with the people they're trying to help."
