By Kamryn Anthis | Staff Writer
With burgers on the grill and students voting for their favorites, Kappa Alpha Theta’s annual CASA Cookout and Concert turned Fountain Mall into a competition Thursday.
Fraternities from across campus competed in a burger-grilling competition while students purchased tickets to sample the burgers and vote for their favorite. BYX took first place by student vote, and SAE won judge’s choice.
The event raises money and awareness for the McLennan County Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA, which provides volunteers who advocate for children who have experienced abuse or neglect.
Theta chapters across the country partner with CASA to raise awareness and funding for the organization. Goldthwaite senior and Theta President Avery Graves said the event also gives Baylor students an opportunity to support the organization while building connections across campus.
“I hope that students see how much Theta loves CASA, and how overall we’re so passionate about it,” Graves said. “Along with that, how all organizations support each other with everything. It’s really community building.”
Preparations for this event begin months in advance, Newport Beach, California, junior and head CASA Cookout and Concert Chair Kendall Stake said.
The event also gives Theta members an opportunity to interact with local CASA representatives and learn more about the organization, Stake said.
“Not only is it a great way to spread community, but it’s also a great way for us to keep involved with CASA,” she said. “Our CASA director is here, and the CASA director of McLennan County is here. It’s a fun way for our members to go meet her and hear all her stories.”
Benton, Arkansas, junior Lochlan Walsh, a Theta member, said she values CASA’s connection to the Waco community.
“I personally really love that our philanthropy specifically serves our community,” Walsh said. “It’s an amazing way to give back to Waco. McLennan County does so much to care for the children of our community, and I really love just being involved.”
The cookout has become an annual tradition for Baylor students. Cape Town, South Africa, senior Christian Greener said the event has become a way for different groups of students to come together.
“It’s unlimited burgers for $8, which is probably the best deal that any organization at Baylor has all year round,” Greener said. “Every year, I come here; every friend group that I have and know somehow ends up meeting each other. It’s a really cool moment for everybody in my social life to come together. Socially speaking, CASA could be my favorite event of the year.”
