Sorority to host game as fund raiser

The sisters of Tri-Delta hope to quadruple funds raised last year as part of the Tri-Delta Triple Play, a philanthropic softball tournament, that has been opened up to more organizations this year.

"We’ve really changed the Tri-Delta Triple Play around this year," said senior Joy Dzurovcik, president of Tri-Delta. "We’ve decided to add some great events to the week. On top of our softball tournament, this year there will be an a capella concert and a benefit night at RT’s Chicken & Grille."

The Tri-Delta Triple Play, which is to be held Monday, Thursday and Friday of next week, raises money for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

"The foundation helps children with life-threatening illnesses, mostly cancer," said senior Sarah Curley, philanthropy chair for Tri-Delta. "As the hospital pays costs not covered by a patient’s insurance, it can be expensive for the hospital to run — about a million dollars a day.

"Nationally, Delta Delta Delta has pledged $1 million over a four-year period. So far, we have given $700,000 in only two years," Curley said. "This money is going to ‘The Teen Room,’ a place for the kids in St. Jude to get away from the whole hospital scene."

The Triple Play starts with an a capella performance with a set list totaling ten different acts. The concert is in Grafton-Stovall Theatre at 7 p.m. Monday.

"Even though the concert is new to Triple Play, we’re expecting a full house at the show," said senior Julie Gross, Tri-Delta vice president of public relations.

Wednesday night, RT’s Chicken & Grille (120 University Blvd.) will donate 20 percent of the total bill to Tri-Delta. Those wishing to assist Tri-Delta should mention the philanthropy effort when ordering.

The Triple Play Softball Tournament, Tri-Delta’s largest event, will be held Thursday and Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. on the fields next to the Integrated Science and Technology building.

"Last year all sororities and 10 fraternities came out to play," Dzurovick said. "This year, we would like to open the tournament up to all organizations. With the new teams this year, we will be able to quadruple last year’s donations of $2,000."

Each team in the tournament has two Tri-Delta sisters as team coaches.

All who make donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital will be given a hospital wristband with the first name and birthplace of a child in the hospital.

"We want everyone who helps to know that their money is going to a good cause," said Gross. "The wristbands will serve as a reminder that there is a real child who is getting help because of your efforts."