Greeks hold events to raise money for Huntsman Cancer Institute
Monday kicked off a week of events raising money for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation hosted by the Sigma Chi Fraternity.
“In the past, we put on Derby Days to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network, but now all of the Sigma Chi chapters across the nation do it to benefit Huntsman’s,” said Nick Sokolik, Derby Days chairman and member of Sigma Chi. “I heard that one out of two males and one out of three women will develop some form of cancer in their life. I’m trying to help find a cure by the time I get it.”
Every dollar raised will be matched by Jon Huntsman Sr., Sokolik said, and Sigma Chi has set a fund-raising goal of $7,500.
Activities include a dunk tank and $1 burgers on the lawn of the Sigma Chi house all week. They also will be organizing a paintball tournament Wednesday on the Quad, where the old Merrill Library was. Thursday there will be a date auction for the most eligible Sigs as well as a Derby Girl contest for the sorority girls who have helped out the most. A 3-on-3 basketball tournament will be held Thursday at the Sigma Chi house, where all teams are invited to compete.
A raffle will be going all week with prizes including donated Aggie gear from the USU Bookstore; a date package with two lunches, two movie passes and dinner; a $100 gift certificate toward a tattoo at Sailor Jim’s; as well as a one-night stay at the Anniversary Inn and dinner at Firehouse. Winners will be announced Friday.
A gift basket of free hair coloring and beauty products will be given to the organization or group who helps raise the most money by the end of the week. Sokolik said the Chi Omega sorority is currently in the lead.
Bob Haight, vice president of the Hunstman Cancer Foundation, will speak on Friday at a banquet at the David B. Haight Alumni Center. It is open to the public, and raffle winners will be announced.
“Huntsman was a Sigma Chi, so it’s extra incentive for us to get involved. It’s been so cold outside. Now that it is warming up a little bit, it’s cool to get outside and have some fun while helping out a great cause,” Sokolik said.
Sokolik said this event has been in the works all year, and the fraternity plans to move it up next year, holding it fall semester, probably in early September.
Trent Walker, a member of Sigma Chi and junior majoring in communications, said, “My Grandpa died from cancer, so I want to do my part to help out and contribute to hopefully find a cure one day for this horrible disease.”
Rachel Everett, a member of Chi Omega sorority and sophomore majoring in business marketing, said she was looking forward to being in the dunk tank on Friday.
“Being the Sigma Chi Sweetheart, I think it is important to be involved in other fraternities’ and sororities’ service projects. Service is an important part of the Greek community,” Everett said.
When asked about involvement in this week’s activities by non-Greek students, Everett said, “It’s not about being in a fraternity/sorority or not, it’s about raising money and helping those in need.”
Kappa Delta sophomore Amanda Clyde said when there are other Greeks working for philanthropy, or a service organization, they all try to help each other out as much as they can.
“This week is such a great way to participate in service. Yhey need all of our support and donations. It’s a good cause and awesome event regardless of who puts it on,” Clyde said.
-renae.cowley@aggiemail.usu.edu
Sigma Chi members and friends take a break from Derby Days in front of the Sigma Chi house. Derby Day is s a philanthropic effort put on by Sigma Chi to raise money for the Huntsman Cancer Institute. They hope to raise $10,000 this year compared to the $6,000 they raised last year. Activities during the week include a basketball game, a dunking booth each day from noon to 4 p.m., a date auction, a banquet at the David B. Haight Alumni Center, food and T-Shirts are sold daily at the front lawn. Anyone in the community can participate in any of the events. (Camerson Peterson)