Fraternity raises money with ‘Beach Bash’ philanthropy

By Jija Dutt

Transcript Reporter

Delta Tau Delta’s annual Beach Bash volleyball tournament   kicked off this year’s Greek philanthropy season Saturday, Sept. 7.

Senior Ryan Klein, president of Delt, said Beach Bash has been the fraternity’s philanthropy event for more than 10 years. All the money raised at the event supports the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Fourteen teams registered for this year’s event, and Sigma Phi Epsilon and Delta Gamma won this year’s volleyball tournament.

“We had more teams play in the volleyball tournament than we have ever had since I can remember,” he said. “For the first time, we had live music from student bands and J. Gumbo’s for food.”

Klein said the even raised $500 for JDRF.

“It was a great turnout, and we got lucky with the weather,” he said.

For sophomore Miranda Ames, a member of a sorority on campus, philanthropy is about having fun while giving back to the community.

“Service or fundraising doesn’t have to be boring or a chore,” she said.

Delt senior Jordan Grammer said he thinks the goal of philanthropy programs is “inspiring others to do good.” He said this was the best Beach Bash he has attended since his time at OWU “both in and out of the house.”

“What made this year special was that everyone came out, not just the Greek community,” he said.  “Student bands, alumni and new students all came out.”

Senior Krina Patel, who is unaffiliated, said she likes attending Greek events because it gives her the opportunity to “be a part of philanthropy without being a part of Greek life.”

“I think it’s amazing that these types of events are open to everyone because it increases awareness on campus and lets people like me contribute to great causes,” she said. “My personal favorite is Delta Delta Delta’s Up Til Dawn for St. Jude.”

Klein said Delt also hosts a poker tournament at the end of the fall semester as another philanthropy event. Their event for the spring semester is yet to be determined.

“Philanthropy is very important to us,” he said. “We are fortunate that we have the opportunity to help others while having fun.”