In its third year, the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity hosted their “Jumpin’ John” event and raised $75 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Founded in 1962 by Danny Thomas, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital aimed to help children with terminal illnesses and diseases find a cure.

For this one day event, fraternity members rented a giant trampoline for students who wanted to relieve stress and have some fun, all while jumping their troubles away. 

With the TKE fraternity members sitting outdoors on the Ashland University Quad beside the trampoline, students had the opportunity to jump, relax, socialize and enjoy the pizza provided by TKE.

Junior Christopher Carrillo, the philanthropy and community service chairman of TKE, acknowledged why the fraternity men hosted this event, and how the money raised could potentially help so many children in need. 

“TKE is nationally-standing as a fraternity, and is trying to raise $2.6 million in the span of six years, so we are just trying to contribute to that,” Carrillo said. “This is unique and different compared to some other [events] on campus; we provide a relaxed atmosphere for new students.”  

Junior Mitchell Laing, the president of TKE, described how the fraternity men initially wanted to do something out of the ordinary and get a bounce house- although it unfortunately did not work out, students did not seem to mind.

“We used to do [this event] two days- it used to be a Thursday and Friday deal, but this year we wanted to get a bounce-house,” Laing said. “We could only rent the bounce-house for one day, which fell through. So, we went out and got the trampoline again.”

With every cent or dollar donated, as well as every check written, no matter how big or how small the amount, a child’s life can be saved. 

“We have always really enjoyed raising money for the kids; it is cool to see videos of TKE [members] visiting the hospitals, and things like that,” Laing said.

Senior Damani Barnes donated $2 during the event and says he is passionate about giving back to charities in any way that he possibly can.

In the past, Barnes has donated to numerous programs, including the “Sports Matter Foundation,” which helps give athletes the opportunity to do what they love and form sports teams together.

Additionally, Barnes has donated to the 2012 Special Olympics, which allows children and adults with disabilities to play sports. 

As an athlete on the track team, he was ready to get his morning started on a positive note by jumping on the giant trampoline.

“They had music going, so that is always good for nine in the morning,” Barnes said. “The trampoline is pretty big, so you can’t miss it, either. It’s a good visual aspect.”

For those interested in donating to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, one can write a check to the TKE fraternity or visit http://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/TKE/TKE?pg=entry&fr_id=62652 for more information.