Annual Beta Pi N.Y.C. dinner has a date
The annual Beta Pi New York City dinner, organized by Jeff Kaufman ’80, has been scheduled for Thursday, December 4, 2025. The location for the event is Dock’s, 633 Third Avenue (between 40th and 41st Street). Go to the Third Avenue platform, a semi-private area. The cocktail hour will begin at 6:00pm to be followed by a sit-down dinner. The approximate cost is $130. This includes dinner, drinks, tax, tips, and any other fees.
This event has been very successful in the past. Brothers of all years are invited. If you wish to attend the dinner, please notify Jeff at [email protected].
The PIKE Now campaign has ended
The annual PIKE Now fundraising campaign has come to a close. The grand total raised during the PIKE Now chapter challenge period is $429,692.55, approximately 3% more than last year. The donations received will provide PIKE University scholarships, bolster Chapter Endowment Funds (CEF) for active and silent chapters to use after recolonization, and to fund PiKA initiatives and programs intended to develop personal and professional improvements in individual members.
Recognizing that Beta Pi is now a “silent” chapter, donations made by Beta Pi brothers were significantly lower than any other year of PIKE Now. The largest donation by a Beta Pi brother was given by Bill Scott ’76. He was extremely generous, donating $2500.
Although there will be no immediate use of his contribution, Pi Kappa Alpha Inter/National will allocate his donation to the Beta Pi CEF. When the time comes that Beta Pi is recolonized at Penn, the Beta Pi CEF will financially benefit future brothers to attend PIKE University, PiKA conventions, and leadership academies. Attendance at these events will enable future Beta Pi brothers to become better leaders, further interpersonal relationship skills, teach them how to implement health and safety standards, and acquaint them with methods of conflict resolution.
This is the last year for the Scott A. Mackler Memorial 5K Run/Walk
After 25 years raising funds for victims of ALS, 2025 will be the last year for the Mackler 5K. The officials of the Mackler 5K sent an email announcing this decision. In the email, the history of the Mackler 5K was provided as follows:
“It started in 1999, right after Scott was diagnosed with ALS. Anyone who’s walked or run it in the past can attest to it being one of the toughest 5K’s around, which is why many people choose to take it lightly and walk. Those who cannot walk, such as people living with ALS and young children are welcome to be pushed along—all are welcome!”
The success of the event was proudly pronounced as follows:
“Scott Mackler MD PhD Assistive Technology Program $3.5 million raised!
It provides essential but expensive assistive technology to ALS patients who cannot afford it. Because of this program and your donations, the ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter is able to help improve communication for people living with ALS throughout the region. Your participation is essential to continue this success—to help those who need it most. And thanks to your help, no patient has gone without this technology.”
For 25 years, Beta Pi has supported the efforts of the Mackler family to soften the effects of ALS for those suffering from this debilitating disease. The event was originated by Harvey Mackler, Beta Pi ’72, in honor of his brother Scott Mackler, Beta Pi ’77, who was afflicted by ALS, and was a pioneer in the use of technological equipment to ease the suffering.
From the very first race, Beta Pi has supported the Mackler family in their efforts. Often Team Pi Kappa Alpha raised more money than any other group. A bus was often used to transport PiKA underclassmen to participate in the event. All our brothers who have taken this charitable event to heart will feel sadness that it is being discontinued. However, the necessity of donating to relieve ALS symptoms still exists. Please continue to donate to this worthy cause.