Derby days bring in $3,000

By Nicole Greco
Collegian Reporter

Perhaps one of the most profitable philanthropies on campus, the Sigma Chis’ Derby Days raised an estimated $3,000 for Children’s Miracle Network last week. With the participation of all the sororities and a team composed of independent women, the week of camaraderie and competition began with a banner contest and the auction of Sigma Chi Derby Days’ coaches and ended with the dance competition Mock Rock at Phillips on Saturday night at which the Kappas were awarded first place.

While some of the activities throughout the week such as Jail ‘n’ Bail, Car Bash were won by the team that raised the most money, other events including a bowling tournament, a field day and karaoke night at Fillmore’s were judged based upon performance and skill only.

Hoping to win the title of this year’s Derby Day champions some teams went to extremes. For example the Kappas collected money within their house and from parents to put the entire Pi Phi house in Jail ‘n’ Bail in order to win the the event. Moreover, to earn points for being the team to order the most pizzas, the Kappas, who ate pizza for all of their meals last week, ordered nearly 190 pizzas.

“By Friday night people were not ready to have pizza anymore,” said Senior Catherine Hatton.

According to Derby Daddy junior Chad Kresnak, who organized and ran the event, the Hillsdale chapter of Sigma Chi sponsors one of the most successful Derby Days nationwide, especially with consideration to the size of both the fraternity and the campus.

“We always do pretty well,” said Kresnak. “For example, last year the Sigma Chis at U of M raised only about $500 and probably don’t do as well because it’s such a large school that many people don’t even know it’s going on. Here, Derby Days livens up the campus and provides entertainment while doing a service to the community”

Although the Sigma Chis sponsor Derby Days, Kresnak attributes part of the success of the annual event to Hungry Howie’s pizza, which donates one dollar to the philanthropy for every pizza that is sold during the week. This year the local pizza company gave an estimated $1300 to the cause.

Kresnak also acknowledges the efforts of the Greek women on campus.

“Without the support of the sororities, it wouldn’t have been a success at all,” said Kresnak. “It would be us trying to pawn off t-shirts.”

Hatton, whose house won Derby Days, agreed.
“I don’t think it’d be anything, the sororities make it what it is.”