Randy Carothers, a leading member of Phi Beta Sigma, has good reason to be excited.
"This is definitely the biggest event of the fall, and it goes to a really good cause."
For the fourth year in a row, his fraternity will play host to one of The University of Memphis's most attended social functions, and they're not showing any signs of slowing down.
The fourth annual Blue and White Ball, hosted by Phi Beta Sigma, is planned for Oct. 21 at the Memphis Yacht Club on Mud Island.
"We changed venues last year- we were just getting too big for it," Carothers said. "Now we've upgraded to somewhere with more room."
In 2002 and 2003, the Blue and White Ball was held at the Toyota Plaza in downtown Memphis, but due to increased ticket sales, they had to switch to a larger venue in 2004. Now, they are hoping to host a bigger event, and according to Carothers, "eventually make it into a University tradition."
In addition to its goal of becoming a staple social function for The University, the men of Phi Beta Sigma are hoping to make an impact for the community through the event.
"A portion of our proceeds go to the March of Dimes, a program our fraternity has a national affiliation with," Carothers said.
The March of Dimes, a national charity aimed at raising awareness of premature births and promoting global health, has had ties with Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. since the early 1970s and receives a large portion of its research funds from contributions by individual chapters.
"Since 2000, we've received about $75,000 from the organization, most of which comes from local events around the country," said Irene Tzeng, the manager of the National Partners Program for the March of Dimes. "They've really done a great job, with all of their fundraising and community service."
Although the event will not take place until late October, Phi Beta Sigma is hoping to get word out on the event as quickly as they can.
"We just started ticket sales, and we're going to continue to promote it with bulletins and announcements around campus," Carothers said. "With the way it's grown over the past few years, you can't tell how big it could be."
