*** View a photo set of our favorite photos from Derby Days.
The first renewal of Derby Days, which took place from February 22-26, was a great success. Derby Days is a vital process of Sigma Chi’s overall goal of representing the University of Arizona campus, giving back to the community and benefiting the campus. We of the Beta Phi chapter are proud to say we will be able to donate over $14,000 to the Diamond Children’s Medical Center.
The Diamond Children’s Medical Center is a bright, healing environment where families feel at home and children feel safe while receiving the advanced care they need from the pediatric specialists and researchers.
Some $5,000 alone came from one event, called Penny Wars in which each sorority had a water jug to fill with pennies and loose change, and whoever donated the most money won the event. Pi Beta Phi won the event, as well as the hotly contested Skit Night, becoming our new Derby Darlings. They were eventually crowned champions of Derby Days, with Kappa Alpha Theta coming in second and Kappa Kappa Gamma finishing third.
Pi Beta Phi was awarded a trophy, a letter to its nationals, an article in the Daily Wildcat, a team picture and a date dash with Sigma Chi. Tons of free prizes were given out during to the week due to our generous sponsors, which included Putney’s Grill, Prestige Fitness, Mr. Tee’s and Koofer’s.com. The week contained thrilling events such as a volleyball tournament, Sign-A-Sig day, the Derby Chase (where girls attempt to “capture” a Sigma Chi by taking a photo with him and five girls in it), and the wildly popular event, the Derby Hunt (where girls attempted to grab a Sigma Chi’s Derby Days Hat while he was wearing it).
Gandhi once said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” We are dedicated to the betterment of our campus and our community, and our goal is to set the standard for philanthropy at the University of Arizona. Our financial contribution this year will help sick children during a time of need and will ensure that they receive the proper care and treatment they deserve.
On behalf of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, I would like to express our appreciation for your generosity. Thanks to your donations our chapter has revived one of the most important philanthropies in Sigma Chi’s history. Your charitable contributions have ensured that Derby Days will continue to be a strong tradition at the University of Arizona and that our fraternity can continue its support of the Diamond Children’s Medical Center for years to come.
- Michael Colletti
Derby Days Chairman
