Members of Phi Mu Alpha fraternity expressed frustrations when Ball State University officials cancelled their philanthropic event this week for safety reasons, fraternity members said.
Karl Willman, treasurer and event organizer, said the fraternity had planned a "Piano Bash," during which students could pay $1 to hit an old piano with a sledgehammer.
The event was to be a fundraiser for a local family in need, he said.
"We are disappointed because we thought it would be fun and we would raise a lot of money for a good cause," he said.
The fraternity planned to have the event Wednesday, behind the music building, Willman said.
Charlie Scofield, Facilities Coordinator for the L.A. Pittenger Student Center, said he informed the fraternity of the cancellation.
Larry Cistrelli, director of risk management and insured benefits programs, made the decision to cancel the event, Scofield said.
"Larry didn't feel it was going to be safe for the people walking by the event," he said. "He felt the liability and the possibility of injury was too high."
Cistrelli could not be reached for comment.
Phi Mu Alpha member Chris Murphy said the fraternity had taken safety precautions.
Three to four Phi Mu Alpha members would also be on hand at the event at all times, he said.
Participants would wear goggles and a 25-to-30-foot area around the piano would be roped off, he said.
"This would be a noticeable area," Murphy said. "You wouldn't be able to miss it, and we thought it would be a safe enough distance from students walking by."
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