Welcome to the first Alligator blog dedicated to Greek life at UF. Here you can find stories and information on what UF Greeks have been doing on campus and in the community.
This blog will discuss events and news regarding all the social fraternities and sororities at UF. I am Nick Holmes, the vice president of social relations for the Interfraternity Council chapter Chi Phi. I have been a part of Greek life here since my first semester at UF and am now a third-year public relations major.
Fall in Gainesville means summer is over, classes have consumed our free time and Gator football is here. But for Greeks it means socials are back, barbecues kick off game day and philanthropy season is in full swing.
Some big Greek philanthropies events have already occurred, raising thousands of dollars for various charities.
Recently, Alpha Delta Pi Sorority held its annual "Lion's Share Challenge" philanthropy, raising ,14,000 for The Ronald McDonald House, according to Ashley Ringler, president of ADPI.
The event included the "Rock the Mic" karaoke contest where fraternities competed at The Venue downtown last Wednesday.
The event opened with a speech from a family that is currently living in The Ronald McDonald House, thanking the participants and ADPi for their generosity.
"We like the Ronald McDonald House so much because we have a location locally," Ringler said, "It gives us a chance to work with the families hands-on."
This year, Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity won first place based on criteria such as attendance, spirit points and its performance in the karaoke contest.
Sig Ep also won first place in Delta Delta Delta Sorority's annual philanthropy, Triple Play. Last Sunday, the ladies of Tri-Delta hosted a softball tournament benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.
"It's an amazing cause that we love to support every year," said Christy Bainer, president of Tri-Delta.
The event raised ,32,000 last year. Although the numbers have not been tallied yet, the sorority expects to have raised more this year.
Tri-Delta's local chapter sends two sisters every year to St. Jude's location in Memphis, Tenn. to attend a conference and meet patients and doctors. They are able to bring back a firsthand experience to their chapter, inspiring the cause.
Triple Play is part of Delta Delta Delta's national 10 in 10 campaign that aims to raise ,10 million in 10 years. The money will go towards a new floor in the hospital, according to Bainer.
The array of philanthropies continues with Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity's "Buck Off" Wednesday and Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity's "Kickball" Saturday.
