ORONO, Maine (NEWS CENTER)-- If you are on the University of Maine campus in Orono tonight, you might see a bonfire on one of the fraternity house's front lawn, and it is all part of its annual charity fundraiser.
Beta Theta Pi fraternity is hosting its 19th annual bonfire and sleep out event to raise money and awareness about domestic violence. All of the money raised from the event will go to Bangor Rape Response Services.
One of the events organizers said this event can bring awareness to the issue of sexual assault and it can also help break negative stereotypes about fraternities.
"This is our way of presenting our stance on rape, because rape is a serious subject. Us fraternity men get a lot of stereotypes as far as rape, holding parties; you know things similar to that. It's our way to show the philanthropy side because that's really what we stand for, service, brotherhood and academics," Beta Theta Pi Public Relations Officer Stephen Monaghan said.
Monaghan said last years event raised around $6,000 and this event is open to the public.
"Anyone can be a part of this. We don't hold this as an exclusive event. It's public and is open to anyone," Monaghan said.
The event starts at 6 pm Friday and lasts until 6 am Saturday. Monaghan said there is a Facebook event page with more information. To find it on Facebook, you can search Beta Theta sleep.
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