In the fall of 1983, one of Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity's new members kept a secret from the rest of the fraternity.

He had been diagnosed with leukemia.

Vincent Scott Sandoe didn't come back from Christmas break. Instead, his mom called to tell the fraternity members the news: Sandoe had leukemia, and the disease had won its battle.

"The only thing that kept him alive was pledging," Phi Sigma Kappa inductor Chris Ryan said.

On Saturday, about 150 students -- greek and independent alike -- came together for Phi Sigma Kappa's annual Superstars philanthropy, which benefits The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

The event was held at the fraternity's house, 501 S. Allen St.

The philanthropy raised $1,768 to donate to the society, Superstars co-chairman John-Paul Yezzo said.

The money was raised from team registration fees, a weekend of canning and a 50-50 raffle during parent's weekend.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is dedicated to funding cancer research, education and patient services, according to its Web site, leukemia-lymphoma.org.

Superstars began in 1984 as a way for the fraternity members to establish something in Sandoe's name and memory, Superstars co-chairman Bill Leonard said.

During the event, 26 teams of women competed in competitions such as jousting, tug of war, pie eating and an obstacle course.

Leonard said he's been helping organize the event for the past three years and this year "is the biggest it's been since I got up here."

Leila Rad (junior-nursing), a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority, stood perilously atop the jousting ring.

She jousted against another woman until Rad lost her balance and jumped off.

"The board was only, like, this big," she said, gesturing to indicate its narrow width. "Plus it was wet, so it was pretty slippery."

The "swords" were made of long pipes with a pillow attached to the end. Two women jousted until one fell or jumped off.

After all the competitions were completed, Sigma Kappa sorority won first place.

Prizes were awarded to the top three teams of the event, which included a gift card from Appalachian Outdoors, a gift certificate for a dozen roses from Woodrings Floral Gardens and six exam packs from Nittany Notes.