Greek organizations host philanthropic events

Nick Paulsen

Spring Term’s Greek Week began Monday, May 2 with Sigma Phi Epsilon’s Ballin’ on Boldt, with proceeds going to the Youth AIDS Foundation. Events continued until Friday, May 6.

Greek week, occurring once every term, promotes different aspects of Greek Life. Fall term’s week began with a block party introducing students to the concept of Greek Life, while Winter Term’s Greek Week coincided with formal recruitment for the various organizations.

For spring, the emphasis is on philanthropic activities. Each Greek organization on campus — Sigma Phi Epsilon, Delta Tau Delta, Phi Kappa Tau, Beta Theta Pi, Delta Gamma, Kappa Alpha Theta and Kappa Kappa Gamma — organized events to benefit their chosen charity. Events were planned for every day of the week.

Eric Weinlander, head of the Interfraternity Council, explained, “In spring, we have a lot of energetic new members along with the experience of the older members to allow us to create something really beneficial.”

Monday, the Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council held a lip sync contest, with teams “singing” and dancing to popular songs in front of judges.

Last Tuesday Kappa Kappa Gamma’s Too Hot To Handle, a hot wings-eating contest sponsored by Buffalo Wild Wings, occurred, with all funds raised being going to the local shelter for woman and children affected by domestic abuse, Harbor House. A Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament organized by Phi Kappa Tau also took place Tuesday in the Hurvis Room with donations benefitting the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps, an organization dedicated to helping children with serious medical conditions.

Anchor Splash — a nationwide event put on by Delta Gamma chapters across the country — was held Wednesday at the Buchanan Kiewit Wellness Center. Anchor Splash includes relays, banner and dive competitions, synchronised swimming, a bake sale and a raffle with prizes donated by area businesses. The proceeds will go to Service for Sight, a charity for the visually impaired.

Thursday, Kicks For CASA was sponsored by Kappa Alpha Theta. This is a kickball tournament with ten people per team and took place on Yampa Field with the profits going to the National CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocate, Association. CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to watch over and advocate for abused and neglected children.

Greek Week culminated in Beta Theta Pi’s Beach Volleyball and Delta Tau Delta’s Quadball Friday. Beach Volleyball benefits the Housing Partnership of the Fox Cities, an organization dedicated to providing affordable housing and supportive services to low income families in an attempt to help families become independent and self-sufficient.

Quadball is a longstanding Delta Tau Delta tradition, a synthesis of kickball and baseball. Though this particular instance of quadball benefits the Cots for Appleton organization, fraternity member Andrew Stuart noted, “Now that we have recently found out the great news about getting our house back we will most likely be seen playing very often in the quad next year and anyone is more than welcome to come and join us.”