What's the only thing better than seeing a couple of hilarious comedians at you're college? Why, seeing those comedians and having all the proceeds go to a good cause.

Laugh for a cause is a yearly event that is held at Loyola University of Chicago, and it is put on by the fraternity Tau Kappa Epsilon. The beauty of this event is all of the money that is made at this event is then donated to the Ronald Reagan's Alzheimer's Foundation. All of the comedians live around the Chicago area and will be performing for free.

Now I know what you may be thinking, "If its a couple of Chicago locals playing at a college for free, there's no way they can be any good." That's where you're wrong. All of the acts this year have at least three years of experience under their belts, and have done dozens of comedian shows throughout Chicago and its connecting cities. The reason for doing a comedian show for free? The chance to get your name out.

Money is important, everyone can suffice to say that, but in the comedians experience some things are more important. There are so many aspiring comedians that to rise to the top is a very difficult thing. The money they make at this level of their careers are insignificant to what the CAN make, when they get their name out. And what better way to get your name out there than at a college campus? It's exactly the demographic that their humor is shooting for.

This year the event will be held on Wednesday, November 12th. The line-up for this event has not yet been announced but I am under good word that this year will have a lot of talent, and it will not be a show you will want to miss. Loyola students and non-students alike are welcome to attend. Tickets will be available a week before the show, starting Monday, November 3rd.

Hope to see you there, I know I won't be missing it.

Loyola TKE's

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Tau Kappa Epsilon is the largest fraternity in the United States of America, the biggest one in the world, and the only one that is international. So when the Founding Fathers of Tau Kappa Epsilon were deciding on the different images and symbols to represent them, they realized that they would need to put a lot of thought into it.

A red Carnation was picked as the flower of the fraternity because it is known as the longest surviving flower after being cut from its stem. That translates over to the fraternity by saying that we have the longest lasting fraters to stay connected after they have been "cut from the stem", or graduated from the fraternity and the college life. This is what makes the Red Carnation Ball so important.

Every year during the spring there is a ball that is held for each of the chapters of Tau Kappa Epsilon. Each frater brings a date, and the night includes a delicious dinner, dancing, music, and other festivities that may be unique to each fraternity. In the Epsilon Kappa Chapter at Loyola University of Chicago, one of the traditions is to give a "mock award" to each of the brothers. There are also other traditions, such as the Executive Board taking an official photo together in their suits, and then the whole chapter taking a picture together.

The most important part of the Red Carnation Ball is not that it is a little get together with the brothers, who bring dates and dance all night. All alumni are also invited to this dance. It is quite a site to see a freshman in college talking with a senior in college, talking with a 30 year old, talking with a 60 year old. And even though there are obviously age gaps, and the brothers and alumni may not know each other personally, everyone can quickly find many things in common to talk about. To be a brother in Tau Kappa Epsilon a hundred years ago and a brother today is not very different at all. We still value the same things, such as: Charity, Love and Esteem.

Two years ago, the 75th annual Red Carnation Ball (of our chapter) occurred and there was the biggest showing of alumni there than ever before. During this time, the chapter size was only at about thirty men, so to see over a hundred and fifty alumni, with dates, is a wonderful and exciting thing. And to see these thirty men make a hundred new friends and alumni connections, is truly a beautiful thing.

Since we are in Chicago, we always rent a luxurious hall downtown. Last year, for example, we held the Red Carnation Ball at the Allerton. We were really high up and had an amazing view of the lake, and downtown Chicago. Every year, we try a different location to mix things up. The factor that makes the Red Carnation ball so amazing is not where it's located, not what food you eat, not what music is played, but rather the fact that it is the brotherhood that always has and always will make the Red Carnation Ball a huge success. You put a hundred brothers in a room, and it doesn't even matter what is going on, it will always be a good time.

With our chapter now having the opportunity to be doubling in size by the time the next Red Carnation Ball rolls around, it should be one of the best in year.

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Loyola and I would just like to share with you my experience to this point.

Like most freshmen, I was very nervous about coming to College for the first time, and the first few weeks were very anxious, but fortunately, I was introduced to the TKE guys on campus, and I found in them some great friends that I will share friendships with for a lifetime.

One thing that I found interesting was that even though Loyola is a Catholic school, I was pleasantly surprised to find a good number of Muslim students with whom I could relate and share stories with.

I am very happy with the choice I made with Loyola, and although I will be in Egypt next year, I look forward to coming back and hanging out again.

Loyola Greek organizations

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