Every spring, the fraternity Phi Delta Theta (Phi Del or Phi Delt), hosts a “Teeter-Totter-A-Thon” at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) in support of the Live Like Lou Foundation. This year, the fundraiser takes place from March 4th, 2025, to March 6th, 2025. Live Like Lou is a foundation that supports families affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This is a nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord and causes loss of muscle control. This disease gets worse over time and is often called Lou Gehrig’s disease after the baseball player who was diagnosed with it. The exact cause of the disease is still not known, and a small number of cases are inherited. The Live Like Lou Foundation also provides funding research to find treatments or cures for Lou Gehrig’s Disease, and honoring Lou Gehrig’s legacy.
During this fundraiser, this campus organization has a teeter totter outside right next to the clock tower on campus between The Al Harris Library and the Student Union. For 72 hours straight, that’s right, 3 whole days, the fraternity has rotations of its members out on this teeter totter from Tuesday at 12:00 AM to Friday at 12:00 AM. The teeter totter is never left unattended, and this fundraiser has no breaks or stops, even overnight. The catch is people can go out to the clock tower while the boys are on the teeter totter and pay to dump buckets of water on them, with all proceeds going to the Live Like Lou Foundation. The buckets are $3 for 1 bucket and $5 for 2 buckets. They will have a QR code and you can pay from your phone, they will also be taking cash.
Phi Delta Theta Philanthropy Chair, Kagen Macumber, says, “The reason for the teeter totter and its components are one and the same; The Ice Bucket Challenge. Many people may not know but that viral internet challenge was actually a supportive outreach tactic that was created by the Live Like Lou Foundation many years ago for ALS awareness. Our “rendition” of it adds more of a fun flair that makes it seem more appealing, especially to people attending SWOSU. No matter if there is rain or hail, or if it is 110 degrees, everyone loves to participate in an event that not only supports a charity, but also involves dumping a full bucket of ice cold water on their fellow students’ heads. It’s fun, it’s freezing, but it all boils down to supporting a good cause’s charity.”
Lucas Punneo, (Southwestern staff member mention, be sure to go dump water on him!) a newly initiated member, says, “All the money we raise goes to support the Live Like Lou Foundation, which helps people affected by ALS. So, you’re doing more than just coming and dumping water on some frat guys, you are actually helping out a great cause.”
Macumber also said,”The reason why our fraternity supports this foundation so passionately is due to the famous ties we have to ALS. Lou Gehrig, the late Major League Baseball player and Phi Delt Alumnus, suffered from ALS most of his adult life. The Live Like Lou Foundation was founded on the idea that this terrible disease would one day be met with a cure. We care for this cause immensely and strive to help in any way we can.”
He continued by saying, “We don’t really have a goal, all we want to do is try and raise awareness and get as many donations as we can for those struggling with ALS. What we try to do with these events is not just raise money for a cause, but we also want to try and bring people together. This charity event (Teeter – Totter – A – Thon) represents more than just our organization, it also shows the good in people as they give to those who need the support. So, yes, this foundation is an amazing thing to be able to give back to, but reaching out to our peers about the Live Like Lou Foundation is what really matters to us.”
The members of Phi Delt appreciate any and all donations that their fellow students, SWOSU faculty, and the Weatherford community would like to make to this cause, and even if you can’t donate, they would love for you to come by and talk to them! Be sure to make your way over to the clock tower in the next couple days and help out these guys with their cause!
You can also click the link below to donate!
