By Dustin Shipman

dshipman@joplinglobe.com

Rain did not stop members of the Kappa Sigma fraternity from raising money with a “swing-a-thon” Wednesday in front of Mayes Student Life Center at Missouri Southern State University.

A large, wooden swing set was constructed by members of the fraternity who spent the past two days collecting donations for Children’s Haven, 701 S. Picher Ave. The not-for-profit organization provides children a safe place to stay when families are in crisis.

This is not the first event for the fraternity involving perseverance on playground equipment. Last year, a two-day “teeter-totter-a-thon” raised more than $1,300 for Children’s Haven.

Sam Moore, a member of Kappa Sigma who had been on the swing since noon Tuesday, when the event began, said Wednesday that despite the weather and the lack of sleep, he was happy to be involved. The event ends at 1 p.m. today.

“So far, it has been a good turnout, ” Moore said. “Since Children’s Haven is sort of a halfway home for children so that they don’t have to go into foster care, we are building them a playground. Last year we built them the teeter-totter, and this year we built them a swing set.”

Mark Hoggard, a member of Kappa Sigma, said fighting boredom was something he thought might be difficult, so he planned to entertain himself with an Xbox 360 and his iPod. In the end, he said, simply being involved and hanging out with friends was enough to keep him occupied.

“Above all the video games and music that we have out here, it’s actually great just having other people out here, having someone else to relate to and talk to,” Hoggard said.

Want to help?

People who want to make donations to Children’s Haven may contact the organization at (417) 782-4453.