Sigma Chi’s Derby Days at UA Raise $30,000 to Help Others

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Members of The University of Alabama Sigma Chi fraternity, in conjunction with UA sororities, raised $30,000 to donate to Children’s Hospital of Alabama and the Birmingham Chapter of Catholic Charities.

The groups generated the proceeds through Derby Days, according to UA student Taylor Ashy, who chaired the event. During the week-long Derby Days organized by Sigma Chi, UA sororities compete in a several contests that include volleyball, karaoke, photography and more. The students raise additional funds by selling sponsorship advertisements for the event to local businesses.

Sigma Chi has always donated to Children’s Hospital of Alabama, but this year the fraternity decided to make a second donation to the Birmingham Chapter of Catholic Charities’ relief efforts for Haiti. A total of $15,000 was donated to each of the organizations.

“At the time that we were planning, we realized that the Haitian people needed as many donations as possible to begin rebuilding their country,” Ashy said. “We hope the contributions we’ve made can go far, whether they go towards providing the best medical care in the country to the children of our state or aiding the people of Haiti in their rebuilding efforts.”

Since 2001, Sigma Chi has donated more than $138,000 to charitable organizations.

For more information, contact Ashy at 225/202-3043 or taylor.ashy@gmail.com.