Sigma Alpha Epsilon is changing its traditional end-of-the year concert to a Never Forget You (NFY) event in honor of Karen Pohl.
Pohl passed away unexpectedly at the beginning of April due to a stroke.
“Many of the boys from SAE worked alongside Karen in the Alternate Spring Break this year and felt the need to assist her family in paying for her medical bills,” said Taylor Reed, ASUI Volunteerism and Social Action Coordinator. “The idea initially came up as soon as she was in the hospital. Now, it’s just been a race against time.”
The concert will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the SAE house and feature UI band Folkestra covering “Hang on Karen,” a song written when Pohl entered the hospital by her favorite band, The Brothers Comatose. Along with Folkestra, Dontay Reynolds of the band Something Else and The Good Husbands will perform.
“We want students to know that this is a community-wide event. It’s a chance to celebrate Karen’s life. We hope to have the stage be like an open microphone opportunity for anyone to share a story about her,” said Michael Cullen, NFY organizer.
SAE has gathered local shops to sponsor the concert and many donated gift cards and gift baskets to be raffled off at the event.
In addition to live music, SAE plans to hold a volleyball tournament, hot dog and pie eating contests and a tug-of-war.
“We are in the process of creating special bracelets in Karen’s memory,” Cullen said. “Anyone who donates will receive one. As for those who are financially unable to provide a donation, we hosted a function where students came and assisted with making bracelets.
TOMS shoes will also be sponsoring the event. With the sorority Delta Gamma’s help, TOMS donated merchandise to sell at the event.
“Our last step is to hopefully get sponsorship from ASUI,” Cullen said.
The fraternity made shirts to sell at the concert for $14, and tank tops for $12. Proceeds will go to Pohl’s family.
“We really just want to get the entire community involved,” SAE member Mikal Wright said. “The support we have received is overwhelming. Many Moscow businesses have put up the posters for NFY, so Karen’s beautiful face is everywhere.”
SAE will have a booth in the Idaho Commons from 11 a.m until 2 p.m. Fridays to promote NFY.
“NFY is by no means a grieving ceremony,” Wright said. “It’s like an exclamation mark for the end of this year.”
Amy Asanuma can be reached at [email protected]