A local fraternity chapter will host an event this weekend to raise money for suicide prevention, in honor of a member at another university who took his own life in 2006.

Sigma Nu has become involved in raising awareness about suicide in teens and college-age people since the death of Mark Hudson, a student at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, said Justin Mills, philanthropy chairman for Sigma Nu at Southeast Missouri State University.

Previously, philanthropy events hosted by the local fraternity chapter at Southeast raised money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., but since Hudson's suicide, the fundraising event has been renamed the "Mark Hudson Classic," Mills said.

"Now we do everything for suicide prevention," he said.

The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at 1409 N. Sprigg St., Mills said.

In addition to raffles sponsored by area businesses and a sand volleyball tournament, the fraternity will also offer mechanical bull riding, Mills said.

Proceeds from the event will go to a suicide prevention awareness and education program called "Stay Alive," Mills said.

The fraternity expects a turnout of 150 to 200 people for the fundraiser.

bdicosmo@semissourian.com

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