Members of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and Delta Zeta sorority will spend time atop a 30-foot pole during the week of Veishea to raise money for the mid-Iowa Alzheimer Association.

The 12th Annual Pole Sit began Sunday at 5 p.m. and will end Friday at 5 p.m. Forty members of Phi Gamma Delta, 325 Ash Ave., and 85 members of Delta Zeta, 2138 Sunset Drive, will take turns sitting on the pole located in the front yard of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.

Topping the pole is a 6-foot by 6-foot wooden platform with a railing, where one fraternity member and two sorority members sit day and night, said Jacob Johnson, philanthropy chairman for Phi Gamma Delta.

“It’s not that bad; each guy only spends four hours up top, while the girls spend two,” said Johnson, senior in computer engineering.

To waste the hours away, students have several options.

“We have a TV and VCR so we can watch a movie while we’re up there,” Johnson said. “Some people even bring books so they can study, and of course, others sleep.”

In staying with the theme of dry Veishea, Johnson said drinking isn’t allowed for those sitting on top of the pole.

“Alcohol and heights don’t mix,” he said. “Our nightmare would be to have someone fall out due to alcohol; it would be catastrophic.”

For the event, Johnson said the two greek houses have been soliciting donations from area businesses and Ames residents.

“We raise money for the Alzheimer Association by getting donations from neighborhood people,” he said. “There are some businesses that sponsor it, too, by donating merchandise. Unfortunately, there aren’t any big sponsors yet.”

Angie Swackhammer, member of Delta Zeta, said each fraternity and sorority member is required to raise at least $55 in donations.

She said Delta Zeta sorority members were happy to be asked by Phi Gamma Delta to help with the fund raiser.

“We’re really excited that we were invited to participate by the guys at Fiji House,” said Swackhammer, sophomore in graphic design.

Anyone wishing to make a donation can contact Phi Gamma Delta at 292-0022.