KRANC to use run, party for community

While dancing to the tunes of Michael Jackson and going on a morning jog, students will have a hand in helping Habitat for Humanity.

Keeping Recreational Activities New and Creative donated all of the profits from last night’s 5th annual KRANC party toward building houses in the Chapel Hill area. And on Saturday, runners can participate in the “Home Run for Habitat 5k,” which also will add to the organization’s monetary gains.

“The potential for success is really enormous,” said Meghan Greene, special projects coordinator for UNC Habitat for Humanity. “We’re not really sure how much financial benefit we’re going to get, but it could set the groundwork for future partnership.”

Last year, the party drew more than 800 people and raised almost $2,000, KRANC President Parker Melvin said. This is the first year the profits from KRANC will go toward helping the community.

The group decided to donate the money this year because the party has become bigger than a simple social event, Melvin said.

“We decided to let the purpose fall in sync with what the party had become,” Parker said. “And that was something beyond ourselves.”

Ryan Caruso, a KRANC member, added that the original purpose of the party was to have a good time.

“Originally it was just created to celebrate friendship, have a good time,” Caruso said. “Then we realized: … ‘Why not have the same party and give (the money) to Habitat?’ It’s really worth it.”

The party, featuring the band Who’s Bad, also boasted a dance-off and a shirt with preregistration.

This year, even with students from surrounding colleges and universities in attendance to boost revenue, Melvin said the group has hit a significant road block.

“This year the band was so expensive. It’s hard to say how much will be given to Habitat,” he said. “(The) goal is for it to be successful enough to be able to make a positive contribution.”

The party also served as a promotional event for Saturday’s 5k run.

Delta Kappa Epsilon and Chi Omega will partner with UNC Habitat for Humanity in hopes of raising money and awareness for the group’s cause.

“We’re trying to help them get some success and spread the word around campus,” said Delta Kappa Epsilon philanthropy chair Spence Davenport. “This is more of a start up year.”

Davenport said he hopes to raise a couple of thousands of dollars for the organization and attract runners who are unaffiliated with the organizations. “Realistically we’re trying to get about five to eight thousand dollars,” he said. “That would be good for our first year.”

The timed race will begin and end at the Delta Kappa Epsilon house and will end with refreshments and a raffle to benefit local restaurants.

To keep participants entertained, “Sprinkler Control Room,” a band composed of Delta Kappa Epsilon members, will play live at the fraternity house.

Melvin said that he is happy to see organizations helping one another, but that the primary goal of the party is grounded in pure fun.

“We will hold true to our original purpose of having a good time, doing it in a good way, and helping people see that side of college does exist.”

Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.