ORONO – Beta Theta Pi, the University of Maine’s oldest fraternity, will hold its 14th annual sleep-out to raise money and awareness for Rape Response Services of Bangor on Friday, Feb. 23. Rape Response Services of Bangor helps to educate the community about the issues surrounding sexual assault, while also providing education and support services.

The brothers of the Beta Eta chapter of Beta Theta Pi will sell raffle tickets Monday through Friday, Feb. 19-23, in the Memorial Union to raise money for the organization. They also are selling sponsorships for a minimum of $50 to go on their sponsorship wall, which will face College Avenue throughout the night to recognize those who support the cause.

At the end of the week of fundraising, the brothers will participate in a 12-hour sleep-out from 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, to 6 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 24. During this time, all 37 brothers will be locked out of the fraternity house and will not be allowed back in until the following morning. Brothers will stay on the front lawn of Beta Theta Pi at 12 Munson Road.

Brothers will continue raffle ticket sales Saturday evening and will draw the winners for various prizes, all donated by Bangor area businesses.

A bonfire will burn throughout the night as the central symbol of this annual tradition.

Rape Response Services provides crisis intervention, support groups and community education in Penobscot and Piscataquis counties. The organization’s efforts are essential in preventing rape and counseling those affected by the crime. Last year’s Beta Sleep-Out raised $2,200. This year’s goal is $3,000.

Members of the university and surrounding communities are encouraged to come and show their support. Donations are encouraged, and businesses are welcome to give prizes for raffles. For more information, call Andrew DeFilipp at 581-4161, or e-mail andrew.defilipp@umit.maine.edu, or write: Beta Theta Pi, 12 Munson Road, Orono, ME 04469 Atttn: Sleep-Out.