Competition in Thon fundraising an added motivator for greeks

By CARRIE DZWIL
AND KRISTEN VANDERPOOL
Collegian Staff Writers

Even though the primary focus of the 1999 Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon is battling pediatric cancer, being a top money earner is important for some greeks.

Matthew Ranalli (sophomore-international finance), a member of Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity, 328 E. Fairmount Ave., said he is proud of his organization's efforts and plans to celebrate a successful Thon year. Competition can act as motivation for some fraternities and sororities to break records, he said.

"Of course there is rivalry, especially between Alpha Tau Omega, Pi Kappa Phi and ourselves," Ranalli said. "You want to top the other fraternities, but we don't lose sight of the cause."

Some fraternity and sorority members think competition during Thon fundraising is not important. Ryan Hilliard (senior-marketing and international business), a member of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, 409 E. Fairmount Ave., said Thon is not about who raises the most money. Although Pi Kappa Phi came in second place last year, Hilliard said, it was the first time in about four or five years they had done so.

"We always like to think we have a chance for the first spot," Hilliard said, "but we don't like to set monetary goals."

Bob Pilon, president of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, 321 E. Fairmount Ave., refused to comment on his fraternity's involvement in Thon fundraising. The fraternity, which pairs with Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, has placed first in fundraising efforts for the past three years.

For most greeks participating in Thon, it's making a difference that matters. Kristina Berg (sophomore-finance and international business), a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority, said her sorority is excited to participate in Thon and wants to help the Four Diamonds Fund as much as possible. Delta Delta Delta, which couples with Kappa Delta Rho fraternity, 420 E. Prospect Ave., was the fourth top money earner last year.

"It's great to know that we have had such a great impact," Berg said. "All the work we put (into Thon) has made a difference."

Courtney Mulvey (senior-telecommunications), a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority, which partners with Alpha Sigma Phi each year, said both organizations will try to raise as much money as possible for the kids.

The possibility of being No. 1 this year is just an afterthought, Mulvey said.