Members of Phi Delta Theta fraternity held a volleyball tournament Friday afternoon to raise awareness and money to combat Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

"We have this volleyball court, and it's one of the distinct features of the house, and we decided to use it for a good cause," Tim Pawloski, co-chairman of the event, said. "People love volleyball, it's a beautiful day out, and it's all for a good cause."

Six teams participated and the event raised $512.47. All proceeds went to the ALS Association, Robby Wu, co-chairman of the event, said.

"They actually do a lot with their money," Wu said. "... Research, promoting ALS awareness and teaching people about it."

According to the ALS Association's Web site, ALS, which affects the muscular system, affects as many as 30,000 people in the U.S. at any given time. No cure exists.

Tim Landers (freshman-crime, law and justice), another member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, 240 N. Burrowes Road, said he wanted the event to raise awareness for ALS.

"It's a good cause because, like every other disease, it's good to be aware," he said. "It's good to get awareness out."

In addition to raising money, students were able to enjoy a rainless Friday afternoon with friends, bumping, setting and spiking to music, while idle players and spectators alike milled about the fraternity's lawn, eating pizza and cheering on the teams.

"Basically it's a good time," Wu said. "I think it's also a great way for people in the greek community and outside the greek community to get together and have some healthy competition and get to know each other that way."

Kiss My Ace, a nongreek affiliated team, won the tournament, and each team member won a $10 gift certificate to The Corner Room, 100 W. College Ave.

Kristin Powers (freshman-business and Spanish) said she and her friends wanted to participate because they are friends with members of Phi Delta Theta fraternity.

"We're friends with a lot of the guys here, and it's a good cause and all of the girls wanted to get out and play," she said. "It's good to see a social fraternity promote a good cause."