Friday, November 14, 1997
Chi Omega hosts annual Tug-O-War to benefit charity
FUNDRAISER:
Fraternities, sororities raised $1,700 to help shelter for
runawaysBy Alexa Apallas
Daily Bruin Contributor
The testosterone was pumping and the bass was thumping Wednesday
night at the Saxon Suites volleyball court. The event? Chi Omega’s
annual Tug-O-War.
Tug-O-War is exactly that  a contest with fraternities,
and sometimes sororities, battling against each other in the wet
sand in order to pull the thick rope over to their team’s side.
But this Tug-O-War is more than a simple contest. It’s also a
philanthropic fundraiser that the sorority has put on for eight
years. Chi Omega chapters across the country sponsor Tug-O-Wars for
charity. At UCLA, teams pay $60 to compete and all the proceeds are
donated to charity.
"Every year we donate to a different charity. Last year we
helped Sojourn Services, a rape crisis center, and we raised about
$1500," said Joanna Fawzy, one of the philanthropy chairpersons for
Chi Omega. This year, the $1700 that was raised will go to Angel’s
Flight, a shelter for runaway children and teens.
Compared to previous years, this event was "definitely a
success," said Sara VanderHelm, philanthropy co-chairperson. All
the fraternities from UCLA participated except one, she said. In
addition, three sororities from UCLA and one fraternity from USC
took part.
The atmosphere at this year’s Tug-O-War was similar to that of a
beach party, even though the chilly evening had most participants
dressed in jeans and sweatshirts rather than shorts and
swimsuits.
Colorful banners cheering each team on decorated the railings
surrounding the volleyball courts and a D.J. pumped out popular
music. Mixed in with the tunes were rhythmic shouts of "One, two,
three, pull!" as men and women cheered the teams on to victory.
In between matches, participants could nourish themselves with
pasta, chips and salsa, and Power Bars in order to gear up for the
next big pull. Adding to the fun was a raffle with prizes donated
by Westwood merchants.
The spirit of competition was a big draw for many fraternity
members who turned out for the event. "I got involved because …
it’s just a test of brute force between one group of men and
another group of men, and it’s a good cause," said Dave Lim, a
second-year student and member of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity.
Mario Rocha, a third year theater major and member of Pi Kappa
Alpha also enjoyed the competitive aspect. "It’s friendly
competition among fraternities and sororities for a good cause, and
it shows that Greeks can have a good time without alcohol," he
said.
Almost all participants mentioned the importance of donating to
a worthy cause. "It’s a good idea that we’re doing something
philanthropic because fraternities and sororities have been getting
a bad rap. Here, we’re giving back to the community," said Delta
Sigma Phi member and second-year student Lucio Rossi.
In the end, Phi Kappa Psi fraternity walked away with the
trophy, beating out Sigma Chi, the previous two-time champions.
"Our fraternity was founded on philanthropic activity, so we were
glad to be at Tug-O-War and give back. It was a fun time," said
fifth-year student Matt Evans after his team’s victory.
For those that participated, Chi Omega’s Tug-O-War offered an
evening of food, fun, and friendly rivalry, all in the name of
charity.