"We're trying something totally new this year!" exclaims Sigma Kappa President Mariah Wozniak.
Ladies and Gentlemen! Get your tennis shoes and flags ready because this spring season, the sisters of Sigma Kappa at Virginia Tech are inviting student organizations to participate in their first annual, one day spring philanthropy event — Sigma Kapture the Flag. Sigma Kappa's Vice President of Philanthropic Services, sophomore Kara Maneval, got the idea of capture the flag tournament from the Sigma Kappa chapter at the University of Virginia. "UVA does it every year, and it's super successful, so I've always wanted to do it," says Maneval.
One of Sigma Kappa's main philanthropies is Alzheimer's Disease Research. This is only the second time that Sigma Kappa has ever held a spring philanthropy event, and all of the sisters cannot wait to enjoy the warmer weather while working towards such an amazing cause. Last year, Sigma Kappa hosted "A Race to Remember" and raised over $1300 and this spring, they're looking to raise even more! All proceeds will be donated to the Alzheimer's Association to go towards Alzheimer's Disease Research.
Sigma Kapture the Flag will take place on Friday, April 10th at Toms Creek Park - 2100 Toms Creek Road and will encompass a capture the flag tournament among the different organizations. Teams are comprised of six to eight people and each organization is allowed to register as many teams as they want and even join teams with other organizations. The winner of the tournament will receive 10% of the total proceeds to be donated back to their own philanthropy.
"People should come out and participate to contribute to finding a cure for Alzheimer's Disease and also spreading Alzheimer's Disease awareness. Also, the sisters of the Sigma Kappa Chapter of Virginia Tech are so much fun, so everyone will have a great time!" explains Taylor Malbon, a junior in GERMAN Club.
In addition, there will be a donation booth for organizations and individuals to bring in donations for the Maine Seacoast Mission, another part of Sigma Kappa's philanthropy. For those who do not know, Sigma Kappa was founded at Colby College in Maine, and the 1918 convention chose the Maine Seacoast Mission as Sigma Kappa's first national philanthropy as a tribute to its founding in Maine. "[The Maine Seacoast Mission] is an initiative that delivers necessities to families in a remote portion of Maine during the winter, when they are cut off from all other shipments of goods," explains Wozniak. The ladies of Sigma Kappa are encouraging donations such as toiletries, books, games, and toys to give to these isolated communities in Maine.
The event itself is free, so feel free to stop by and cheer on your favorite teams. There will be tailgate-styled games open to everyone and anyone to play and enjoy the spring fever. "This event is unique because it's an inexpensive and easy way to support a really great cause without your entire organization having to participate," explains Maneval. "It's a one day event where you get to hang out with your friends and pay a game that we all loved from our childhood. Plus, everyone loves a good competition!"
