During the week of April 7, Illinois State University’s Sigma Chi fraternity hosted their week-long annual event, “Derby Days.” Through various competitions and activities during the week, the Theta Rho chapter raised thousands of dollars for the Huntsman Cancer Institute.
“As president of Sigma Chi Theta Rho, I am so proud of all our guys. They all put in the hours and work to allow us to donate over $7,500 to the Huntsman Cancer Institution,” junior business information systems major Joey Dubrock said. “Everyone is affected by cancer in some way, and to be able to contribute to a great cause is something I will never take for granted. I look forward to raising even more next year.”
Junior insurance major Rex Scheer, an organizer of “Derby Days,” shared why this week was significant.
“What makes [the week] so special is all the guys that are in Sigma Chi helped me out so much…[the week] is so much fun, and I’m so grateful for everyone that comes and participates,” Scheer said.
The philanthropic event at the men’s ISU chapter took place over four days. It included numerous events where ISU sororities competed to help Sigma Chi fundraise. The sororities were also given the opportunity to win the week-long competition and donate back to their philanthropies:
The sororities could win points during each event in the competition; the main goal was to win a top-three spot. The first-place prize consisted of $300 to give back. The second and third place prizes included awards of $200 and $100. All members of Sigma Chi were individually required to raise $30.
All the competing sororities had a “Derby Darling,” a girl who represented their chapter, whom everyone else in the sorority fundraised. The girl who raised the most money for their chapter would be named Sigma Chi’s 2025 “Derby Darling.”
Sigma Chi kicked the week off with “Field Day,” which took place from 5-7 p.m. on April 8 at the Hancock Stadium. Sororities competed against each other through various fun-filled activities. The games consisted of tug-of-war, a wheelbarrow race, a potato sack race and a water balloon toss competition.
