Delta Gamma sorority will be hosting AnchorSplash, their annual philanthropic event, at the University of Memphis Student Recreation and Fitness Center on Sunday, Sept. 28 at 1 p.m.
Sophomore nursing major at the U of M, Lauren Cedotal is the Director of AnchorSplash. She explained the focus of the event.
“AnchorSplash is the main philanthropy event for all of the Delta Gamma chapters nationwide,” Cedotal said. “While there are different renditions of the event at other chapters, they all raise money for the same goal and purpose.”
“Service for Sight” is a foundation that provides aid for people of all ages who are blind or visually impaired. In 2012, Delta Gamma began working with “Joining Forces,” an organization that aids service men and women who lost their sight during their service.
According to the sorority’s website, the idea for this charitable work comes from a Ruth Billow. Billow was a member of Delta Gamma who lost her sight in an accident when she was a child. Billow presented the idea of adopting to help benefit those with poor eyesight or none at all. In 1936, Delta Gamma started “Aid to the Blind” – now known as “Service for Sight” – which the sorority continues to raise money for to this day.
AnchorSplash is a week-long fundraising event that includes several different competitions and events, such as a “Dunk a DG” dunk tank where students can donate a dollar and attempt to dunk a member of the sorority. Area restaurants will get into the action as well, with events from Buffalo Wild Wings and an opportunity to donate $10 and be treated to an all-you-can-eat feast at Moe’s Southwest Grill on Walker Ave. Other events include a water medley, a raft relay, a fraternity water ballet, a sorority coaches costume catwalk and a Mr. and Mrs. AnchorSplash competition. At the end of the competition, Delta Gamma will hand out awards for a variety or reasons, including most money raised, highest spirit and who sold the most shirts.
Some events from last year, like the swimming races, had to be cut due to time constraints, but the Mr. and Mrs. AnchorSplash competition is new. The event allows chapters to select a member to show off his or her knowledge of Delta Gamma and will also feature a talent competition. It was added because it’s another way to get the fraternities and sororities involved.
Many of the students associated in Greek life, including Cedotal, see this event as a great way to get their peers involved on campus.
“AnchorSplash has always been a tremendous way for the Greek community to get together while working towards a greater cause such as Service for Sight and Joining Forces,” Cedotal said. “Last year, we raised approximately over $4,000 with the help of Delta Gamma where we raised more money than we have ever done before.”
Tickets for AnchorSplash can be purchased from any Delta Gamma sister for $5 in advance and $10 at the door. For more information on Service for Sight or AnchorSplash, go to umemphis.deltagamma.org.
