Summer has not arrived yet, but one sorority is bringing fun in the sun indoors in the form of pool relay races, belly-flop contest and more.
Each year, Delta Gamma sorority hosts Anchor Splash, the largest single-day philanthropy event the University sees from any Greek organization. Their philanthropy includes a variety of creative ways to raise donations for their cause, Service for Sight.
Service for Sight was founded and is currently privately owned and operated by the sorority, whose main goal is to prevent blindness and contribute to those who have experienced sight loss.
The fundraising event will take place Sunday, April 3, in Carmichael Gymnasium at the pools from 2-5 p.m. with an award ceremony afterward from 6-8 pm with BBQ for purchase and the band The Shakedown.
Fifty percent of the profits go to Service for Sight and the other half goes to a local philanthropy, which this year is expected to be the Moorehead School for the Blind. This school is facing closure due to lack of funds — a $10 million deficit in total — and the hope is to help assuage the budget shortfall.
Aside from monetary contributions, students can also participate in volunteering at the school on Mondays which garners extra credit in the event competitions, according to Alyssa Riddle, a junior in communication media and this year’s event organizer.
The event includes, “Anchor Splash relays, wet T-shirt relay, freestyle relay, belly-flop contest, synchronized swimming, Save the Mermaid race, most beautiful eyes contest, Brickyard penny wars contest and T-shirt sales,” Riddle said.
Alan Sheridan, a senior in computer science, participated in the Save the Mermaid race, the wet T-shirt relay and synchronized swimming last year.
“The belly-flop contest was most memorable. There were some really huge guys who made little splashes yet some tiny girls that made huge splashes. There really is a lot of skill and technique involved,” Sheridan said. “It was a great event. It is a lot of fun with a lot of student groups there, there is stuff to do there the entire time and it’s all for a great cause.”
“It’s a great opportunity for everyone to get together and have a good time, and it is centered around a good purpose, and there is great power in that,” Riddle said. “Even if you are not a part of Greek life or your organization isn’t a part of any events, it is fun to go and watch.”
Maria Dimopoulos, a former mermaid, said that “everyone wished they were on Maria’s Mermaids, which was a combination of the soccer team and gymnastics team. Our team had the hottest bodies and looked the best in their leotards. It was fabulous.”
Dakota Delk, a senior in civil engineering, said the best part of the event was watching the amusing events.
“I buy a T-shirt every year to support the philanthropy and don’t miss any events,” Delk said.
Lauren Henderson, a sophomore in biological sciences, participated as a coach last year.
“It was great to get to know the other organizations and not just be around your own sorority,” Henderson said. “Practices were stressful, but the overall outcome was a great feeling and a great accomplishment to share with others I hadn’t known that well.”
Anchor Splash has a history of attracting more students from the greater student body. Last year, some teams that participated were made up from ROTC, the varsity soccer team, gymnastics team and many other organizations.
For more information see: it https://sites.google.com/a/ncsu.edu/dganchorsplash2011/.
