Students competed in an obstacle course and tug-of-war competition to raise money for United States troops.
The first ever “GI Theta Chi,” an event named for the fraternity that hosted it, was held Friday, April 26 on North Campus. A total of $3,700 was raised. The proceeds went to the United Service Organizations, a nonprofit organization providing programs which serve and support United States troops.
“The troops are the reason that we’re here,” said Andrew Gilly, a sophomore mechanical engineering major and member of Theta Chi who coordinated the event. “They’re the reason we’re able to be in fraternities and sororities and the reason we’re able to come to schools like this. Honestly, they don’t have the very good end of the stick on a lot of the things that go on.”
There were seven teams who competed in the obstacle course and tug-of-war competitions. The winners of the tug-of-war competition were Team Alpha Sigma Tau in third place, Team Badass in second place and Team AOII in first place. The winners of the obstacle course race were Phi Mu in third place, Alpha Sigma Tau in second place and Bubba Gump in first place. The overall winners were Team Alpha Sigma Tau in third place, Team AOII in second place and Team Badass in first place.
Those who participated in the obstacle course and tug-of-war competitions felt that they were not only participating in a charitable fundraiser for a good cause, but also a fun and competitive event to build community spirit and team morale.
“It was really fun to work with your teammates,” said Adriana Beltram, sophomore accounting major and member of Theta Phi Alpha. “Everybody kind of went as a group, and you could help each other out. Somebody was over the wall, and someone went behind her and pushed her over the wall. It was a team-building activity.”
Gilly’s inspiration for organizing the fundraiser stemmed from his own service in the National Guard. Through his connections, GI Theta Chi was able to make use of many props provided by the National Guard, including the inflatable obstacle course.
The event was considered a success and there are plans for GI Theta Chi to be held again next year.
“Our three main sponsors were Monster, Coca Cola and the National Guard,” said Gilly. “I’ve spoken with every one of them, and they told us that if we succeed this year, if we raise enough money and people have fun, that they will do twice or more than what they did this year.”