Despite the somber issue, the members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. fraternity had high hopes for their annual homeless awareness fundraiser.
"People don't realize how hard it is to stand around for 24 hours a day and ask for money," James Johnson, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. fraternity treasurer, said.
Members of the fraternity stayed at the Scramble Light between 8 a.m. Thursday and 8 a.m. Friday to raise awareness about homelessness and to raise money for the Muncie Mission. For the 12th annual Sigma Sleep-Out for the Homeless, the men stood at the Scramble Light asking people for money, food and other types of donations.
"I haven't sat down in hours," Ennis Adams, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. chaplain, said.
The group raised about $350 last year.
"We had it on the 16th [of November] last year," Johnson said. "That was the first day of snow; we were freezing."
The men were hopeful for this year though.
Johnson said the group had a bigger turnout than in previous years. He attributed the large turnout to new advertising techniques such as Facebook and sidewalk chalk.
The men had a lot of visitors, including Ball State University President Jo Ann Gora, Adams said.
Other people offered to bring the men hot chocolate and to cook them dinner.
Sophomore Carmen Pickett stayed at the Scramble Light with the group during the day, but did not intend on spending the night there.
"It's actually fun and it's for a good event," Pickett said. "They're giving back to the community even though they're college students."
Sophomore Jessica Harris also worked at the event.
"It was a really good idea," Harris said. "I'm glad they're doing it. It's good to see young men, especially young black men, doing a good thing. This is for a good cause."
She said she hoped people realized they weren't asking for money, but working for a good cause.
The table was filled with food by 6 p.m. By press time the group was unsure about how much money it raised.
The men kept a positive feeling at the event with music and a laid back atmosphere. The warm evening air was also appreciated. Senior Malcolm McIntyre used a microphone to encourage donations.
"Spare some change to make a change," McIntyre said.
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