The Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and the Alpha Delta Pi sorority will kick off the 11th Annual FUJI PoleSit today at 5 p.m.

During this six-day fund-raiser, members of the two greek houses will continuously occupy a platform atop a 30-foot telephone pole.

Bill Reynolds, philanthropy co-chairman of Phi Gamma Delta, said three people at a time will be on the platform in two-hour shifts, and he said it will be occupied 24 hours a day until 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Funds raised during the event will be donated to the Heart of Iowa Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, and Reynolds said the polesitters hope to raise a total of $4,200.

To attract publicity for the event, he said, some radio stations have been contacted and a door-to-door campaign has been launched in the Ames community.

In addition, the event’s coordinators have been trying to enlist such local celebrities as ISU football Coach Dan McCarney, men’s basketball Coach Tim Floyd and President Martin Jischke to participate in the PoleSit, Reynolds said.

Reynolds, who will be participating for a second time in the PoleSit, said funds from last year’s PoleSit were donated to the Ames Fire Department.

Tom Lower, philanthropy co-chairman of Phi Gamma Delta, said the Alzheimer’s Association was chosen this year because not many people know of its existence.

Lower, who will be polesitting for a third time, said the greek houses are expecting strong support for this year’s event from the Ames community. “So far, everything is looking good,” he said.

The pole and platform will be located in front of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity house, 325 Ash Ave. Lower added that the platform will be electrically safe and structurally sound.

For those who would like to make a donation, checks made payable to Phi Gamma Delta may be sent to the Phi Gamma Delta house at 325 Ash Ave., Ames, IA 50014.