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04-08-2005 07:26 PM |
Derby Days festivities reach climax
Derby Days festivities reach climax
by Liz Jackson
April 08, 2005
The Vanderbilt Hustler
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Flag football, a dance floor splattered with glow paint and camouflaged sorority girls frantically searching in the moonlight for a small hat mark the return of Derby Days.
The annual, week-long series of events, sponsored by the Sigma Chi fraternity, benefits the Children's Miracle Network, Sigma Chi's national philanthropy.
The fraternity pairs every sorority with a non-Greek organization, with Sigma Chi brothers as coaches. The teams then compete to earn points in community service, advertisement and t-shirt selling, banner making and various other activities throughout the week.
"We don't have the final tally yet, but we definitely did better than last year," said Jordan Rathlev, Sigma Chi Derby Days chair.
Rathlev estimated that a total of $30,000 to $35,000 will be donated.
The Children's Miracle Network has raised more than $2.2 billion for hospitalized children since its establishment in 1983. With 170 hospitals benefiting, the CMN believes in the philosophy that "all monies raised locally stay local." Thus all proceeds earned from this year's Derby Days will be given to the Vanderbilt Children's Hospital.
Last year, the money raised was used to purchase a new bed for a surgery room in the hospital.
Derby Days began Sunday with a 5K race, during which an estimated 170 participants raised over $2,000.
Tuesday afternoon was filled with field events and relay races, followed by a barbecue with entertainment by Matt Woods.
The Wednesday night baseball game against Austin-Peay, at which teams earned points for attendance, was cancelled due to rain.
The flag football tournament will begin this afternoon at the recreation fields, followed by a Glow Party at the Sigma Chi house.
The week culminates tomorrow night with a Michael Jackson cover band and the announcement of the winning team.
All week, clues to a hidden black derby were dispersed to the teams. In years past, one searcher emerges with the hat near the end of the week, collecting a large amount of points for their team.
This year, the Alpha Chi Omega sorority discovered the derby on Tuesday afternoon. "It was a little earlier than expected," Rathlev said.
With Alpha Chi Omega members' permission, another derby has been hidden to continue the spirited fun. It will be worth half as many points as the original derby.
"The competitive spirit bonds (our sorority) together, all while raising money for a great cause," said Ashley Novak, derby girl and Campus Activities chair of the Chi Omega sorority.
Acknowledging the energetic reception the event receives at Vanderbilt, Rathlev said, "We really appreciate everyone who participates and contributes to it, and those who put so much time and effort into the week."
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