UT’s Greek Week Breaks Fundraising Record for Fifth Consecutive Year

Last week, The University of Tampa’s Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) organizations raised $173,670 for two local charities. The amount doubled last year’s Greek Week total, which was slightly more than $86,000, and marked the fifth year in a row of record fundraising.

Greek Week, held this year from Feb. 15-21, is a fundraising event that promotes unity and emphasizes FSL’s mission of service and wellness for the more than 1,600 students involved. Through competitions and educational events, each Greek chapter raises money to help support community nonprofits. Some of the challenges included bubble soccer at Pepin Stadium, sidewalk chalk art in the Vaughn Center courtyard, “Greek Jeopardy” and a variety show in Falk Theatre.

This year, FSL partnered with both the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay (RMHCTB) and Relay for Life. The main fundraising efforts were for RMHCTB, for which students raised $164,370. RMHCTB creates and supports programs to improve the health and well-being of children and their families.

In addition to fundraising, the Greek organizations supported Relay for Life through awareness and team sign-ups. Relay for Life is the signature fundraising walk held by the American Cancer Society to raise money for cancer research. The proceeds from the tickets sold for the variety show went directly to Relay for Life, totaling $9,300.

FSL Coordinator Madi Bridges said that students look forward to Greek Week every year, not just for the fun activities, but also for the philanthropy and unity.

“This year was especially great as we got to connect with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay who were able to be involved in the week of events, making the impact of Greek Week and the amount we fundraised hit even closer to home,” said Bridges.

Greek Week participants are from UT’s three FSL governing councils: Interfraternity Council, College Panhellenic Association and Unified Greek Council. Members are divided into seven teams to compete, with this year’s team theme being “music genres.” Each daily challenge is worth a certain number of points, and the team that earns the most points by the end of the week is the winner.

Team Musical won first place with the highest number of points, while the top fundraising team was Team Alternative, which raised more than $45,000.