During the first week of May, DU’s Sigma Chi Fraternity will host its 32nd annual Derby Days. Although it’s traditionally a fun week of activities, it’s all for a good cause.
Derby Days events help support deserving causes and promote the philanthropic efforts of DU’s Greek community, says Will Thompson, a senior mass communications major and former president of Sigma Chi. This year, proceeds from the event will go to Salt Lake City’s Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI), one of the world’s leading cancer treatment centers.
The week’s fundraising activities include a skit night, scavenger hunt, mural painting at the Sigma Chi house and a Miss Derby Pageant. The week culminates with a concert May 7 at the Gothic Theatre featuring mash-up music artist Milkman. The concert is open to the public.
“Community service is one of the main pillars of Greek life at DU. Through Derby Days we can bring the campus community together to do something good and have fun at the same time,” Thompson says. “We really believe in the work HCI is doing and how it is improving the lives of people with cancer.”
Megan Pendley Pickett, assistant director of campus activities, says DU’s Greeks are involved at many levels in the community. “The individual philanthropies and events of each fraternity and sorority are one way Greeks can bring awareness to their philanthropic efforts while helping raise money for causes they believe in.”
Derby Days — which is sponsored by Sigma Chi chapters around the country — was founded in 1943 at the University of California-Berkeley.
Derby Days also encourages other Greeks on DU’s campus to get involved. Sororities that raise the most money during Derby Days will be included in the final check presentation to HCI. For more information about Derby Days activities, contact Thompson at wthomps5@gmail.com.