A crowd of people gathered in the Bixler Quad on Tuesday, Oct. 6, for their chance to run the obstacle course in Phi Sigma Sigma’s “Inferno” event. Raising money for their philanthropy, the Foundation for School and College Readiness, was the priority of the week for the members of the Phi Sigma Sigma sorority.

The Foundation for School and College Readiness is a charity split into two organizations that helps kids in need. Both of these groups donate to impoverished areas. Proceeds are used for things such as new computer labs, scholarship funds, and school supply banquets.

To support this good cause, groups of five to ten people participated in multiple events throughout the week.  Starting on Monday, participants broke the ice by taking part in a tug of war kickoff event. The remainder of the week included competitions in an obstacle course, intellectual and physical challenge, a relay race, and a final awards and celebration barbecue on Friday.

Inferno was open to all students at UNH, but other clubs and organizations were encouraged to participate as well.

Each individual paid ten dollars to enter in the weeklong event. Proceeds went directly to the Phi Sig charity. The admission fee covered all of the weeklong challenges and competitions.

In years prior, Phi Sig was known for their annual “Rockathon” event. Proceeds went toward the American Kidney Foundation. It was an all-night event where participants literally danced the night away.

This year, the sorority decided to try something new. Originally, the idea of the “Inferno” event came from the Phi Sig chapter at the Syracuse campus.   The members of the UNH Phi Sig decided to put their own spin on the original one day event.

“Demographically, we could reach a larger pool of people if we spread it out over a week,” Sam Carlisto, Foundation Chair of Philanthropy for Phi Sigma Sigma said.

“I think it’s a great turnout for our first-ever time doing this,” Cassidy Robishaw, senior Phi Sig member said. “I personally didn’t expect this many people.”

Overall, Phi Sig raised $4,164 for the Foundation for School and College Readiness.

For those who did not get the chance to participate, Carlisto says “Keep the event in your heads for next [year] because the inferno does not get put out.”