Sigma Kappa, a sorority at IU Southeast, held their first Ultra Violet event where they had a chili cook-off, silent auction and various festivities.
Sigma Kappa decided to hold the cook-off to raise awareness and funds for their foundation. The ticket proceeds went toward Sigma Kappa’s philanthropies.
“We picked a chili cook-off because we thought it would be something that our community would respond to,” Samantha Forehand, elementary education junior, said. “It was a very successful turn-out, and there were many organizations and businesses willing to donate baskets for us.”
Ultra Violet, named after the violet flower, was developed to provide the Sigma Kappa chapters with consistent and effective opportunities to raise funds and awareness for their philanthropic priorities.
Sigma Kappa’s philanthropy includes the research of Alzheimer’s and Gerontology, the Maine Sea Coast Mission, as well as educational grants and scholarships.
The Maine Sea Coast Mission is Sigma Kappa’s home roots. The mission brings financial aid and health services to people in need.
“I hope the people that attend our event get that satisfying feeling you get when you help someone,” Amanda Miller, elementary education junior and executive vice president of Sigma Kappa, said. “By coming to our event, they are helping our foundation. I also hope they leave with full bellies from the delicious chili.”
Ultra Violet is the new campaign every Sigma Kappa chapter will include. Each chapter will hold an Ultra Violet event of their choice to support their foundation annually.
“I am excited because it is our first Ultra Violet event, and I hope people come to satisfy their desire for chili and enjoy the great music and great company,” Sarah Dahlheim, elementary education senior, said.
The chili cook-off included 17 various chili types that were entered by Sigma Kappa parents and other contributors. “Anyone was able to enter chili in our event,” Brittany Loop, general studies junior, said. “The fact that nearly everyone ran out of chili at the end of the night was great. It showed that a lot of people came out.” Another activity offered was the silent auction. Gift baskets and prizes ranging from $50 to $300 were donated from assorted businesses, such as Church Hill Downs, McAlister’s Deli and Wendy’s.
Other activities included face painting, cornhole and a playground set.
“We wanted to make the event kid-friendly so it would be a good family experience,” Forehand said. “The Floyds Knobs Community Club has a playground set that is perfect for kids.”
Guests attended the chili cook-off for different reasons. Hope Kessinger, geosciences sophomore, said she went to the event because of her interest in joining Sigma Kappa.
Kessinger also participated in the silent auction by bidding on three baskets and winning two — aromatherapy and cooking.
“I wanted to experience the social aspect of college and learn about the sorority,” Kessinger said.
By COURTNEY
MCKINLEY
Staff
comckinl@imail.iu.edu
