After holding their 42nd annual Derby Days philanthropy event, the brothers of Sigma Chi at Virginia Tech are now looking back on their success -- and looking forward with new goals in mind.
In this Q&A with Derby Daddy, Robbie Martin, we hear more about the work that was put into the six days of derby chaos, and how the philanthropy chairmen not only organized, but also motivated eight organizations to participate.
Q: How did this year's set of events go?
Honestly I think it was one of the best Derby Days I've been a part of. We wanted to make it as fun as possible for everyone involved and I think we accomplished that goal.
Which event was the biggest success?
All of the events ran really well, but I would have to say the benefit concert was a great success, as it was a brand new event for us and it went off without a hitch. Besides the funds generated from the event, seeing everyone have blast for a good cause was the most rewarding part.
You all also included some young kids in your events this year -- tell me more about that.
We paired eight kids from Children's Miracle Network with each participating sorority. They acted as honorary "captains" and their sorority put together a gift package for their kid. We originally planned to have the kids come to events throughout the week but their treatment schedules didn't allow for it. Even so, I think we set the stage for even greater kid involvement moving forward.
So throughout the week, how much money did you all actually end up raising?
In total, we raised right at $23,000 through Derby Days. We also held our annual Huntsman Golf Tournament and Parent's weekend events that week, which are both charity events. Our total fundraising goal for the week was $35,000 and, combined, our three fundraisers totaled $41,500.
Did that number set any records for your chapter?
This was definitely the most successful fundraising effort our chapter has ever had. It was the most funds we have ever raised, and it was truly a chapter wide effort.
Tell me more about your personal experience, basically running the show.
Running Derby Days was a team effort between myself, Kyle Davies, and Andrew Mitchell. What a week it was. Long days setting up and running events and then late nights tallying donations and points made for a stressful week. But, all three of us agreed that it was one of the most fulfilling and rewarding things we'd ever been a part of. Being able to bring the Greek community together to support a cause special to our brotherhood was incredible to put our name on.
What would be some of your team's goals for next year?
I would shoot for 100 percent sorority participation which, in turn, would increase fundraising as well. One thing we didn't have time to pursue this year was sponsorship from Blacksburg businesses to further make Derby Days a community wide effort.
What made you want to be involved this heavily in your philanthropy?
Cancer research has always been important to me, and my family, since the passing of my mom to breast cancer in 2011. I've always looked for a way to really join the fight for a cure and I thought, "what better way than to put on an event benefiting cancer research and children battling the disease personally?" We also have many brothers who have loved ones battling cancer, or have lost loved ones to the disease; so that added motivation, as well.
Do you think this cause is something that you will be involved with post-graduation?
One hundred percent. I know how much work goes into Derby Days and I want to help whatever guys put it on in the future to make it as big a success as possible.
