In 1988, our esteemed alumnus and famed actor Paul Newman, Ohio ‘43, founded the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp on a 300-acre piece of land in Connecticut. Now an international organization known as SeriousFun Children’s Network, this camp was designed as a place where children with terminal or life-threatening illness could escape their medical conditions for a little while to just be kids and, in Paul’s own words, “to raise a little hell.” Today, SeriousFun camps have served over 1,000,000 children in 20 different countries – all free of charge. Phi Kappa Tau has been formally partnered with SeriousFun for over 35 years. In that lifetime, we’ve raised over $1.6 million dollars.
Locally, our University of Akron chapter is proud to support Flying Horse Farms, located in Mt. Gilead, OH, a subsidiary of SeriousFun, since it's inception in 2010. Brothers may serve as camp counselors by applying on Phi Kappa Tau’s national website. Travel stipends may be offered up to $300 for brothers who volunteer with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
Besides record-setting donations and summer counseling at our philanthropy, Flying Horse Farms, we also volunteer at various charities around Akron, such as Haven of Rest, StarkParks, and Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank. Community service is a non-negotiable component of membership. All members must complete service, as it is fundamental to our purpose.