Students planning to walk up Morton Hill May 15 might want to find an alternate route unless they want to watch the Athens Boxcar Derby.

Students can expect a crowd of people representing a variety of student organizations and members of the Athens community to watch homemade boxcars race down Morton Hill for the first time, while trying to win prizes and raise money for a good cause.

Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and Acacia fraternity are planning the event to cover sophomore Acacia member Steve Derwent's medical bills. Derwent was injured in Mexico during spring break and is paralyzed from the shoulders down.

"We are expecting a big crowd," said Kevin Ivers, Acacia chairman of the event. "We want to try to change relations with the community and show them that we are interested in helping and taking pride in our community."

Besides improving relationships with the community, the event will relieve financial stress on Derwent's family.

"I think it is a great opportunity to help pay for the medical bills," said Kert Switzer, Sigma Phi Epsilon chairman of the event. "We know we can't pay for everything, but every little bit helps."

The fraternities are talking to local businesses about sponsoring the fund-raising event. It is open to anyone 10 years and older for an entry fee of $50. Prizes will be given to the three fastest boxcars and the most creative and spirited. Winners can expect to receive gift certificates, a 26 inch color television or a Sony Playstation, Ivers said.

"I'm really hoping we get a good turn out," said Jamie Turner, Acacia member. "It would really mean a lot to Steve."

The fraternities plan to make the event an annual race. In the future, whatever money is raised will go to spinal cord research or to injured people in the community. Right now though, they are focusing their time and energy on helping Derwent.

"He has been my best friend for two years," Ivers said. "My schedule right now is school and Steve."