United Way, with the help of Delta Upsilon (ΔΥ), is bringing Gainesville a free block party Friday night.
The event, the second in a series of four, features live music, a Swamp Head Brewery beer garden and a bounce house.
The street party begins at 6 p.m. and is located on Bo Diddley Community Plaza in downtown Gainesville, said Gregory Fabiano, a 20-year-old political science junior and the service chair of Delta Upsilon.
“It’s a great way for the city and community to get involved with a big organization like United Way,” he said.
United Way is a national, nonprofit organization that raises money for disadvantaged people on three fronts: income, health care and education. United Way of North Central Florida has partnered with the Delta Upsilon fraternity to put on this event, and the proceeds will be split between the regional and national branches, said Fabiano.
“Although we’re not a service fraternity, we use these events as just one of the ways we build our brotherhood and give back to the community,” said Julian Hernandez, a 20-year-old telecommunication junior and president of Delta Upsilon.
Fabiano said he expects about 600 people to attend, four times the turnout of last year’s single event. Justice is one of the founding principles of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity, said Hernandez.
“What better way to practice advancing justice than going out and advancing a good cause like this?” he said.
