As the full-money deadline on Feb. 18 approaches for Dance Marathon, many sororities and fraternities that tried alternative fund-raising methods this year are turning back to canning and letter writing as their main source of money.
Traditionally at the top of fund-raising organizations for DM, Greek houses took first and third place for the most money raised by an organization at last year’s event.
Despite relying on standby methods such as canning and letter writing, Greek chapters still are trying new ways to meet the minimum $750 per couple for the 68 Greek-sponsored couples.
New events for some houses this year include a scrap-booking seminar, a pancake breakfast and a match-maker survey.
“It’s about getting the members to spend time with (fund-raising) projects other than just canning,” said Weinberg junior Rose Wu, Chi Omega’s community service chairwoman. “I feel like (Chi O) should try to branch out with fund-raising ideas.”
Chi O will sponsor a scrap-booking seminar Wednesday. The sorority also co-sponsored a Trivial Pursuit contest with Theta Chi last week, raising $320.
Ben Woo, Sigma Phi Epsilon’s philanthropy chairman, said his fraternity will continue to try alternative fund-raising methods, despite the disappointing $80 it netted from karaoke at Nevin’s Live, 1450 Sherman Ave.
Despite high expectations for the new dance party fund-raiser that Sig Ep will sponsor during the DM weekend of March 5, Woo, a Weinberg sophomore, said the house still relies on traditional contributions. Last weekend Sig Ep members stuffed about 700 letters, he said.
“We’ve been trying to do more things and put in a more sincere effort than in the past,” said Woo.
Last year, Sig Ep teamed up with Kappa Alpha Theta to raise almost $25,000, placing it third for top fund-raising organizations. Zeta Beta Tau partnered with Kappa Delta, taking the top honor with more than $45,000.
ZBT and KD have expanded their fund-raising efforts, sponsoring a variety show and an upcoming Ultimate Frisbee tournament.
ZBT has no specific monetary goal, but the house plans on meeting the “30-by-30 challenge,” where dancers raise $900 per couple instead of the mandatory $750.
