KINGSTON, R.I. – November 15, 2013 – The 12th annual URI Greek Life Philanthropy Week kicks off on Saturday, Nov. 16. The students from 13 fraternities and 10 sororities will team up to raise money and collect items such as toys and books for St. Mary’s Home For Children in Providence.
The theme for this year’s Philanthropy Week is international — each paired fraternity and sorority will represent a different “country.” The URI Greek Community accounts for about 15 percent of the total undergraduate population, with over 1,700 active members.
“Philanthropy Week is something I look forward to every year. It’s not only a great time to build a sense of Greek community, but also serves as a way for us to give back to the larger community. These events aren’t only for Greek life, but allow anyone to participate,” said Robert Marshall, president of the Interfraternity Council.
“We have been hard at work to shake things up and make this week one to remember. The other board members and I knew we wanted to raise money for children this year, and the money we raise will truly make an impact,” said Sydney Kempler, vice president of programming for the Panhellenic Council.
Schedule of Events
• Nov. 16, ZBT basketball tournament, 12 to 3 p.m., location to be announced
• Nov. 17, Lego Construction Competition 1 p.m., Multicultural Center Hardge Forum, 74 Lower College Road. This competition is one of the highlights of Philanthropy Week. Six people at a time will have two hours to construct their buildings. There is no limit to the number of Legos they can use. The more creative the structure is, the more likely the team will win. Judges will choose the top four constructions. All of the Legos used will be donated to the St. Mary’s Home for Children.
• Nov. 17, Family Feud, 7 p.m., Edwards Hall Auditorium. Teams consist of six people, three men, and three women. Categories for questions will include, URI, Rhode Island, holidays, life in college and television shows.
• Nov. 19, So You Think You Can Dance, 7 p.m., Edwards Hall Auditorium. This is a pair-dance competition. There will be three rounds. The first round will have all nine pairings. The pairings are allowed to choose one song, and come up with three minutes of dance. Judging will be based on costume, creativity, teamwork, and energy.
• Nov. 21, Date Auction, 7 p.m., Edwards Hall Auditorium. Each sorority and fraternity will choose one person from their house to dress up with their country in mind to win a date.
• Nov. 23, Dodge ball Tournament, 2 p.m., Location to be announced. This is the first ever dodge ball tournament to be held during Philanthropy Week. There will be a fraternity bracket and a sorority bracket. Each team will consist of ten members, but only six people per team are allowed to be on the court.
This press release was written by Caitlin Musselman, a URI Marketing and Communications intern, and a public relations and political science major.