Sigma Kappa sorority raised more than $5,000 last week for The Ultra Violet Campaign, a national philanthropic event that benefits the Sigma Kappa Foundation. All proceeds from the week benefits Alzheimer’s disease research. Sigma Kappa Chapters at other schools also participate in the Ultra Violet Campaign. 

This year, the sorority hosted an ultimate frisbee tournament on Saturday, which was followed by a taco dinner served at the chapter’s house, located at 303 E. John St. in Champaign. The philanthropy events that members of the University Greek community host are open for anyone at the University to participate in and donate to. 

“As a senior member of Sigma Kappa, seeing how things have gone in the past, I make sure to help (the philanthropy chair) any way I can, and make sure things run the same way,” said Katherine Blonski, senior in LAS.

Members of Sigma Kappa also stood on the Quad each day last week with cans, asking passersby for donations to Alzheimer’s disease research. Stevee Bellas, president of the University’s Sigma Kappa chapter and junior in Music, said some people gave more money than she expected. Some donors told personal stories of their own family members who are suffering from the disease and expressed gratitude that Sigma Kappa was raising money for Alzheimer’s disease research, Bellas said.

Eight teams participated in the ultimate frisbee tournament from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Frat Park, and members of Sigma Kappa coached the teams or watched the tournament. To participate in the tournament, teams had to make a $150 donation to the philanthropy. The men of Alpha Epsilon Pi won the competition. 

Bellas said that it was exciting to see everyone compete, and that everyone seemed to really enjoy the tournament.

Later that evening, Sigma Kappa hosted a taco dinner at its chapter house from 5 to 7 p.m. Active members sold tickets for the dinner during the days leading up to the event, and sold approximately 700 tickets overall. Tickets were $5 from any Sigma Kappa sister, and $6 at the door. Stephanie Green, Sigma Kappa Vice President of Philanthropic Service and senior in LAS, said that the chapter usually has about 600 to 800 people buy tickets and attend the taco dinner. 

“(Serving) tacos have always been a success for us in the past,” Green said.

Sigma Kappa’s taco dinner had a line outside the door past the time the dinner was supposed to end. Hendrick House, Fox River Foods and Bacaro restaurant each donated food for the event. 

“I really enjoy the opportunity to open our chapter house to members of the campus community, and I think it’s a great way to spread the knowledge about our philanthropic efforts,” Bellas said. 

Olivia can be reached at [email protected].