VCU news

By Corey Byers

The water was cold, the doughnuts were fresh and Virginia Commonwealth University Police Department officers were more than willing to take the plunge for two well-known charities.

On April 8, VCU’s Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity hosted the third annual Dunk-A-Cop fundraiser at the University Student Commons plaza to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Special Olympics Virginia.

VCU Police Department academy recruits and officers, including Chief John Venuti, spent hours getting drenched; students and staff paid to pitch balls at a dunk lever or to automatically dunk officers. This year’s event raised more than $1,500 -- bringing the three-year fundraising total to more than $4,000.

Phi Kappa Sigma event organizer Khiem Tran said the event has turned into a win-win tradition for everyone involved.

“Not only does it bring together students, faculty and the VCU PD for a day of great fun, but more importantly it raises hundreds of dollars for two great charities,” Tran said. “Besides, what other time of the year do you get to drench a police officer?”

What started out as a simple idea for the fraternity has grown outside Virginia. The group heavily advertises on social media channels and will be rolling out their blueprint to college campuses nationwide. Tran said the brothers are in the process of bringing Dunk-A-Cop to other chapters, including those at George Mason University, Michigan State University and the University of Massachusetts – Lowell.

With the official slogan, “Dunkin’ cops like donuts since 2012,” the event combines community service with humor -- and a solid partnership between the fraternity and law enforcement.

“It is with every intention that this event becomes a staple VCU tradition,” Tran said. “That I will return to VCU in 10 years as [an alumnus] and will participate in the 13th annual Phi Kappa Sigma Dunk-A-Cop.”

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