For the men of Pi Kappa Phi, nothing declares summer’s end more than hanging out with their brothers, tossing around the pigskin and sleeping on the Quad — all while raising money for Push America.

The fraternity men have continued their tradition this year of setting up camp on the Quad until they raise a target amount of money for Push America, an organization that helps make buildings handicap-accessible and supports people with disabilities.

This year the men have raised the bar by setting a goal of $5,500. Philanthropy Chair Jacob Chodash said at least three Pi Kapps would be on the Quad at all times — day and night, rain or shine.

“We’ve done it before and we’re going to do it again,” Chodash said. “It’s just a matter of how long it’s going to take.”

Weather permitting, Chodash said the men can raise up to $1,000 a day, with most of that money coming in during the graveyard shift. The shift starts at midnight and is over when the sun is up and the first students start trickling on the Quad, coffee in hand, for their 9 a.m. classes.

“Not a lot of people get to say they’ve camped out on the Quad,” Chodash said.

Technology has played a larger role in this year’s philanthropy than in years past. Students who walk to class without a wallet could still donate by texting PUSH284 to 50555. The text message service automatically generates a five dollar donation for Push America, with 25 percent of the total donations received coming directly back to the Champaign-Urbana community.

Kevin Hayek, senior in LAS and service chair of the fraternity, said his fraternity is unique in that Push America was founded by members of the organization.

“What makes it really special to us … is that we can call Push America our own,” Hayek said. “It’s something we take a lot of pride in that we have a hand in shaping.”

Hayek, who joined the fraternity in the spring of 2008, said he might not have become involved with service work had he not joined the chapter. The men of Pi Kappa Phi donate more than just the money that they raise; members donate their time to groups in the community that aim to help people with disabilities. These local groups, such as Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation, sponsor community programming which include cooking classes, dance classes and sporting events.

“Almost a third of our chapter volunteers regularly with one of the local groups,” Hayek said.

Zach Dahl, president of the fraternity and junior in Engineering, said Push America hits home with him because his mom is a special education teacher. He said working to raise money for those with disabilities is a way to continue what his mom taught him while away from home.

As the number-one ranked university in the nation for the Division of Rehabilitation-Education Services, Illinois has demonstrated its commitment to creating an accessible campus for all students. Chodash added their fraternity house is also handicap-accessible; although it is four stories high, the elevator and ramps make their house accessible to all students.

The fraternity took down their tent Sunday night, but was out on the Quad both Monday and Tuesday to reach their goal.

“It’s been a lot of work, a lot of fun, very rewarding and we will be back next year to do it again,” Hayek said.