The Iota Lambda Chapter (Quinnipiac) of Pi Kappa Phi sponsored the event, which was exclusive to Quinnipiac students unless they registered a guest to attend. This event was made not just for entertainment, according to Pi Kappa Phi President Mark Boulas.
“We wanted to raise as much money and awareness as we possibly could for our philanthropy, the Ability Experience,” Boulas said. “We heard of organizations at other schools holding similar concerts for charity; we thought it was something we could pull off as a chapter.” Alex Tonkonogy, philanthropy chairman and the person in charge of this year’s carnival, said the Ability Experience fundraises for people with physical and mental disabilities. This year’s event raised $22,000, according to Tonkonogy.
The Ability Experience is a non-profit organization founded in 1977, according to their website. It is the national philanthropy of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity chapters. Freshman Samantha Lomino said she attended the event to support the philanthropy and have fun.
“I decided to go to EAC with my friends to contribute to a good cause,” Lomino said. “I actually had a great time… [I had] a lot more fun than I thought I would have have. I would definitely go again next year.” The carnival introduced students to up-and-coming DJ Kap Slap and a light show.
Freshman Megan Martucci, said she went with friends because she thought it was a unique outing. “I decided to go to EAC because a bunch of my friends and I thought that it would be fun to go out and do something different,” Martucci said. “I thought the whole thing was put together very well and I had a great time. If they were to have it again next year, I would most likely go again with my friends.”