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Derby Days has goal of raising
$7,500 for Huntsman Cancer Foundation
SMASH UP:
Members of Sigma Chi pose atop the car they smashed
for charity. / Photo by Renae Cowley
By Renae
Cowley
April 8, 2008 | Derby Days, which starts this
week, is put on by the Sigma Chi Fraternity to
raise money for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation.
Sigma Chi member and Derby Days Chairman Nick
Sokolik said Jon Huntsman Jr. was a member of
Sigma Chi at the University of Utah so instead
of donating this year's charitable fundraising
to the Children's Miracle Network, all Sigma Chi
chapters across the United States will donate
their proceeds to the Huntsman Cancer Foundation.
According to Sokolik, Huntsman has pledged to
match every dollar raised for this service project,
and Sigma Chi hopes to be able to raise $7,500
for the cause.
"Because Huntsman was a Sigma Chi, 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.
"I heard that one out of two males will develop
some form of cancer in their life. I'm trying
to help find a cure by the time I get it," Sokolik
said.
Sokolik said some of the fundraising activities
this week will be a raffle going on all week with
prizes donated from the USU Bookstore, a date
package including two lunches, movie tickets and
dinner. |
BRRRR:
Katie Morrissey's expression says it all
after being dunked. / Photo by Renae Cowley |
Other prizes are a $100 gift certificate to Sailor
Jim's Tattoo Parlor, and a one-night stay at the Anniversary
Inn and dinner at Firehouse.
Sigma Chi will be selling $1 burgers on its lawn as
well as manning a dunk tank comprised mostly of sorority
girl volunteers.
A gift basket of free hair coloring and beauty products
will be given as a prize to the organization or group
who helps raise the most money by the end of the week.
The Chi Omega Sorority were in the lead when Sokolik
spoke to a reporter.
Rachel Everett, a sophomore majoring in business marketing
and member of Chi Omega Sorority, said she was looking
forward to being in the dunk tank 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," said Everett.
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."
Tuesday they will be smashing a derby car on their
front lawn, according to Sokolik. Wednesday they also
will be organizing a paintball tournament 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 three-on-three basketball tournament
will also be Thursday at the Sigma Chi house.
Friday, Bob Haight, Vice President of the Huntsman
Cancer Foundation, will be speaking at a banquet open
to the public upon reservation. Raffle winners will
be announced there as well.
Sokolik said a lot goes into hosting an event like
this and they have been preparing for it all year. Plans
are already in the works for next year, according to
Sokolik, with intentions of holding it earlier fall
semester.
Trent Walker, a junior majoring in communications
and member of Sigma Chi 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."
Kappa Delta sophomore, Amanda Clyde said, "because
I'm a member of a sorority, when other Greeks participate
in philanthropy we try to help them out as much as we
can."
"This week is such a great way to participate in service
they need all of our support and donations. It's a good
cause and awesome event, regardless of who puts it on,"
Clyde said.
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