Shack-A-Thon sets standards of living

The White House has a new address, and it's Memory Mall at UCF.

The 12-feet by 4-feet replica of the most famous house in America was constructed by the College Democrats at UCF as part of Habitat for Humanity at UCF's second annual Shack-A-Thon.

Ten groups, including Greek organizations and registered student organizations, began building their shacks for the fundraiser at 11 a.m. on Feb. 13. Each group participating in the fundraiser had to raise $300 to participate.

"It's incredible just to see all of these organizations come together to [raise awareness for] substandard housing," said Habitat president Kaitlyn Jeanis.

This year's Shack-A-Thon is a multi-day event, whereas last year's was only one day.

"We didn't really know what to expect out of it," said Habitat event coordinator Megan Lewis of the first Shack-A-Thon. "It was very successful for its first year."

This year there will be a Valentine's Day scavenger hunt from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., a game night on Feb. 15 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and a concert from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Feb. 16.

Categories for the awards include judges' pick, fan favorite, most money raised and overall winner. Greek organizations will be pitted against each other and the same goes for the RSOs.

Each group had till nightfall to construct its shack.

College Democrats built a voting booth last year and this year's decision to build the White House was pretty much unanimous, according to the director of public relations Fedorah Philippeaux.

"Last year we didn't win, but this year I think we have a chance to scratch out ‘fan favorite,' " Philippeaux said.

Philippeaux said that the event was an easy and fun way for their organization to make a difference.

"When we heard about Shack-A-Thon last year, we were immediately on board," Philippeaux said. "First of all, we knew that Habitat was a reputable organization and that it was for a good cause, and second of all, what better way to have fun, get together and even recruit new members?"

Right next to the College Democrats was I.D.E.A.S.' environmentally friendly shack. The group was using recyclable materials along with wood, which was donated for all Shack-A-Thon participants by Lowe's.

I.D.E.A.S. founder and campus outreach for UCF's Sustainability and Energy Management Department Chris Castro said their shack will be showcasing different types of insulation and roofs.

One portion of the roof will be made out of aluminum cans to reflect the sunlight and keep the shack cool.

I.D.E.A.S. President Sam Ruiz said they decided to participate this year because a lot of members voiced their interest in taking part in the event.

"We came together and decided that it was about time that we try to build a sustainable shack," Castro said.

Both Castro and Ruiz are hoping to keep the shack for Green Waves Music and Arts Festival.

"We wanted to have some type of green interactive place that kids could come check out, so we're going to try and actually keep this shack for Green Waves and be able to bring it out for the musical festival," Ruiz said.

At last year's Shack-A-Thon, Jeanis spent her time volunteering and remembers seeing the groups standing around piles of wood and nails, scratching their heads and wondering how they were going build their shacks.

"It was so much fun to see what people come up with and create when they work together and I think they felt that too and that's why they're coming back," Jeanis said. "The Democrats work on raising awareness for different political [issues] everyday, but it's not everyday that they get to sit here with hammers and nails and work with their friends and colleagues to build something."

The long-term goal of Shack-A-Thon is to raise $100,000 to have a house completely funded and built by students. So far, about $3,800 has been raised. Last year the event brought in $5,511.

"We want to put a family in a home that has maybe never had running water or electricity from day to day," Jeanis said.

With a large portion of costs left to raise, Jeanis hopes Habitat for Humanity at UCF will eventually reach the same levels of success as those of the Texas A&M  chapter, which raised $19,097 last year.

"Our Shack-A-Thon isn't to that point yet, but we hope to integrate it into UCF's traditions," Jeanis said. "It's something you have to see."