By TYLER ELLYSON
UNK Communications
KEARNEY – A dozen University of Nebraska at Kearney students will do their best to impress the judges while competing for the title of Mr. King of Hearts during a fundraiser hosted by the Alpha Phi sorority.
The sixth annual King of Hearts male pageant is scheduled for 7 p.m. Nov. 1 at Merryman Performing Arts Center, 225 W. 22nd St., in Kearney.
Contestants representing various UNK fraternities, student organizations and athletic teams will bring their A games during dance, talent and interview sessions while vying for the coveted crown and sash. A panel of guest judges selects the overall winner – Mr. King of Hearts – and the participants choose Mr. Congeniality. A contest on the Alpha Phi Twitter account will determine the people’s choice award leading up to the event.
Cassie Sleicher, vice president of marketing for Alpha Phi, said the pageant is more than a Greek life activity. It’s an opportunity for any UNK student or supporter to meet new people and share some laughs while raising money for two important causes.
“It’s just a fun event,” Sleicher said. “There’s a lot of comedy involved, and the contestants are really trying to impress the judges and all the Alpha Phis while trying to win.”
The event, which is open to the public, has raised more than $22,000 over the past five years. Proceeds benefit the Alpha Phi Foundation, which supports women’s cardiac care and student scholarships, and the S.A.F.E. Center, a Kearney-based nonprofit that assists people impacted by domestic and sexual violence.
Tickets are $5 in advance or $7 at the door. They can be purchased by contacting any Alpha Phi member or stopping by tables inside the Nebraskan Student Union and Health and Sports Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. Raffle tickets for a variety of prizes are also available for $1 each or six for $5.
For more information, contact Sleicher at 308-627-7631 or sleichercm@lopers.unk.edu.
KING OF HEARTS CONTESTANTS
Mark Barrientos of Lexington, Sigma Lambda Beta
Tanner Barth of Utica, UNK track
Brian Brodin of Omaha, Phi Delta Theta
Blake Brown of Gibbon, Phi Gamma Delta
Jack Clark of York, Pi Kappa Alpha
Tyler Cunningham of Gretna, UNK wrestling
Connor Gosnell of Maxwell, Christian Student Fellowship
Joe Griffith of Kearney, Delta Tau Delta
Jase Hueser of Papillion, Student Government
Njali Kowa of Omaha, Black Student Association
Haden Scherbarth of Bayard, Sigma Phi Epsilon
Dave Squiers of Kearney, UNK football
