By Madison Fraser | Reporter
The men of Sigma Chi hosted their annual philanthropy competition “Derby Days” this week, with the participation of the sororities of Baylor University.
This is the second year that Sigma Chi has hosted the competition, which raises funds for their philanthropy, the Huntsman Cancer Institute. Through multiple events and competitions the fraternities raised $26,000, which was $6,000 above their goal.
Two men of Sigma Chi paired up to coach each team that participated, which consisted of one of the eight sororities on campus. Sororities were encouraged to raise money and participate in events not only to benefit Sigma Chi’s philanthropy, but also their chapter’s philanthropy. At the closing ceremonies the first place organization, Alpha Chi Omega, received $1,500. The runner up, Pi Beta Phi, took home $750, and the third place recipient, Alpha Delta Pi, was awarded $500.
“I love seeing the competitive nature of other organizations while still having fun for a great cause,” Agoura Hills, Calif., senior Megan Wilson said. “I have participated for the past two years in Derby Days and fight very hard for my organization’s philanthropy as well as Sigma Chi’s. In the end, everything is for a great cause.”
Opening ceremonies began Sept. 26, when the fraternity kicked off their four-day event with a banner-judging competition and a video presentation of the Huntsman Cancer Institute. The following day, at Baylor’s on-campus marina, the sororities battled in a tournament of corn hole, sand volleyball and canoe races. A variety of competitive events happened over the following days including T-shirt sales, online money donations, coin drop challenges, a flag football tournament at McLane Stadium and the competition concluded with a dodge ball tournament.
The women of Alpha Chi Omega took home first place at the closing ceremonies on Friday and received $1,500 for their philanthropy, the Waco Family Abuse Center. Pi Beta Phi won $750 for their philanthropy, Read > Lead > Achieve, and the women of Alpha Delta Pi took home $500 for the Ronald McDonald Foundation.
Through these events, the men were able to raise enough money for their philanthropy, which promotes the research for a cure and treatment of cancer.
“Derby Days is a special event to us because of how much we are able to help the Huntsman Cancer Institute, and the philanthropies of the sororities on campus,” Conway, Ark., junior Patrick Nabholz said. “It’s fun to see everyone come together like this for great causes.”
