The UT Tyler Pi Kapps making friends at the Arc of Smith County Funlovers’ Dance.

The Pi Kapps showed up Thursday to the Tyler Rose Center with their dancing shoes and left having made a group of new friends.

As part of the chapter’s efforts to serve people with disabilities through The Ability Experience, the UT Tyler fraternity organized a group to volunteer with the Arc of Smith County.

Six times a year, the Arc of Smith County sponsors a Funlovers’ Dance, an opportunity for those served by the Arc and their caregivers gather for an evening of socializing.

Those attending included: Austin Doyle, Lucas Flournoy, Taylor Kemp, Sean Reinertson, JP Pinon, Gio Rodriguez, Danny Diep, and Garrett Dupree.

The Pi Kapps have attended other Funlovers’ Dance events in the past. “The Fun Lovers Dance was another great opportunity to spend time and celebrate the abilities of all people,” said Doyle. “My brothers and I had a ton of fun dancing and getting to share our love for the community.”

The Arc of Smith County works to maximize the potential of individuals with cognitive and or intellectual challenges through programs and services, which include residential and day camps, dances and socials, autism support groups, and offering much needed respite to families and caregivers.

The non-profit, which serves more than 1,000 Smith County families, is part of a nationwide volunteer organization of involved parents and family members, active professionals and interested friends who work on behalf of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.