The Ability Experience

The Ability Experience is the philanthropic initiative of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity that remains, to this day, an unparalleled success in the Greek world. Founded in 1977, we strive to instill a passion for lifelong service in our fraternity members while helping to empower people living with disabilities.

HuskyTHON

HuskyTHON is a year-long philanthropic effort at the University of Connecticut to raise funds and awareness for Connecticut Children’s, a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in Hartford, Connecticut. This effort culminates in an 18-hour dance marathon in February, where thousands of UConn students come together to dance for those who can’t.

Local Fundraising

Kappa Omicron promotes local service-based projects in which our members engage with the community to serve and lead. Pi Kappa Phi remains engaged and involved with advocating for local service.

National Events

Pi Kappa Phi and The Ability Experience provides it

Ability Camp

Ability Camps are national service projects that provide funding and manpower to build and renovate structures for camps and facilities serving the disability community. Members of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity from various universities construct accessible fishing piers, boardwalks, pavilions, playgrounds, and more in an effort to highlight the abilities of people with disabilities. The work done will help enhance the lives of people with disabilities while also building bonds of brotherhood.

Gear Up Florida

Since 1997, over 500 Pi Kappa Phi men have participated in Gear Up Florida. Each year, the team raises over $80,000 to benefit people with disabilities. Gear Up Florida was created with one mission in mind: to reach out to as many people as possible across the state of Florida, spreading a message of acceptance and understanding on behalf of people with disabilities. Gear Up Florida has served that mission well by creating an event that is touted as "The best two weeks of programming The Ability Experience has to offer."

Journey of Hope

In 1987, one man’s dream of riding his bike across the country came true. What he did not know was the inspiration and motivation his trek across America would give to The Ability Experience. The very next year, his ride inspired The Ability Experience to create the largest fraternal fundraising and awareness event of its kind, the Journey of Hope. Today the Journey of Hope covers 32 different states, cycling over 12,000 miles combined, it is solely comprised of members of Pi Kappa Phi and continues to spread a message of acceptance and understanding for people with disabilities.

Build America

At the core of Build America is the construction of accessible environments and camps serving the disability community. Providing accessibility for campers to experience everything summer camp has to offer. While construction is the main focus, the friendships are what set Build America apart. Team members walk away with a brotherhood like any other and are proud to know their work will provide opportunities for people of all abilities for years to come!