Sigma Chi is hosting its annual Derby Days, a private event for Greek Life which aims to raise money for cancer research in the following weeks.
Peyton Gage, a junior and criminal justice major, is the Sigma Chi member in charge of the event. This is his first year elected to be chair as it changes every year.
“Every year, every chapter does something called Derby Days,” Gage said. “It’s a thing we have in conjunction with the sororities, kind of like a friendly competition. The goal is to raise money to help cancer research.”
Sigma Chi’s philanthropy is the Huntsman Cancer Foundation which was established by John Huntsman after his father’s death.
Sigma Chi and Huntsman have teamed up together and created DerbyChallenge.org where all of the chapters can sign up, creating a link which allows people to donate directly to them. This is the first time a website has been used in correlation with the Derby Days event to help raise donations.
“It basically allows us to send out an email blast,” Gage said. “The sororities also have their own link so they can donate themselves with their alumni.”
The games during the event include a volleyball tournament, tug of war, relay races and skits put on by the brothers and sisters, however, the games change every year. There is also a clothing drive held one day of the week where the sororities clean out their closets and the clothes are donated to shelters around the area. These activities allow the sororities and fraternities to gain points.
“We try to incorporate as many sororities and organizations as we can,” Gage said. “There’s a trophy and at the end of the day it’s for a good cause and everyone has fun.”
The winner of Derby Days is chosen by that organization which has the greatest amount of points gained during the games held. The games help balance out point distribution so that it is not solely based on the greatest amount of money being raised.
Sigma Chi’s goal this year is to raise $10,000 which Gage admits he is both nervous and excited to accomplish.
“We want to be a positive influence,” Gage said. “That’s what we’re here for. Every fraternity and sorority wants to encompass leadership. Derby Days allows us to make an impact and I’m happy for that.”
This is the first time Sigma Chi has opened the donation to the public as it is usually confined to the sororities and fraternities and what they raise for the cause.
“Anyone who wants to follow the link can donate,” Gage said. “We would appreciate it. It all goes to a good cause, typically the money goes to us and we donate it to the foundation. Now with the website, it’s actually a direct link to foundation.
Anyone who wishes to donate to the Huntsman Cancer Foundation can do so through DerbyChallenge.org.