The Sigma Chi fraternity, with the help of several other Greek houses, raised more than $11,000 for charity after three days of competitions, sales and donations from students, faculty and the community.
The annual Derby Days raised money for the local Children’s Miracle Network at Sacred Heart Medical Center through daily penny drives, door-to-door collections, clothing sales, and nightly events between sororities. The events included sketch performances and an auction Monday night, and a dance competition between the sororities Wednesday night.
According to Philanthropy Chairman and Sigma Chi member Marshall Ball, the amount of money raised this year was the second highest amount that the event has raised since it started in 2000. Ball said a favorable turnout, media coverage, and the enthusiastic participation of the sororities were the major reasons for its success.
“This was the closest competition it’s been in the five years that we’ve been back on campus,” said Ball. “Every sorority went to great lengths to help in the fundraising and events.”
The closing ceremony for Derby Days was held Wednesday night in Gerlinger Hall and featured dance competitions between each sorority. The group performances featured routines set to rap and hip hop music and music from the Gipsy Kings and Ritchie Valens.
The night also featured an appearance by KDUK radio host and hip-hop artist Michael Kay, who performed his single “Tonight.”
The sororities was awarded points after each nightly competition and the sorority with the highest number of points received a 5 percent donation from Derby Days’ overall winnings to a charity of its choice. The winner was Kappa Kappa Gamma, winning for the third year in a row. The Gamma Phi Beta sorority received a Spirit Award for its enthusiasm.
Ball said Sigma Chi will continue accepting donations for Children’s Miracle Network for another week.