MEREDITH RODRIGUEZ
Assistant News Editor
This years’ Malibu Chili Cook-off, the 24th annual Malibu community carnival where Pepperdine Greeks traditionally compete with the tastiest chili college hands can muster, starved for Pepperdine support this year.
Many fraternities and sororities did not participate because it was difficult to get a hold of the Kiwanis Club this year, according to Alpha Phi member Stephanie Nordstrom. She said that Alpha Phi had to work extra hard to be involved.
“We called everyday for two weeks straight to sign up but got no one,” she said.
That did not inhibit sororities Alpha Phi and Kappa Alpha Theta from participating and having a good time, though. The Student Bar Association from Pepperdine’s School of Law also participated this year.
“It is definitely a lot more fun when all the Greek groups on-campus participate,” Theta Mariana Aroditis said, “but we were still able to have a lot of fun.”
Nordstrom agreed.
“It worked out well because we still had a chance to bond and give back to the Malibu community,” she said.
Aroditis added that she felt proud to be one of the few to represent Pepperdine.
“It made us feel prouder for being able to put it all together,” she said. “Malibu generally doesn’t have a favorable opinion of Pepperdine, but being a part of the Chili Cook-off is a great way to show the city that we care.”
Apparently not only Pepperdine Greek groups missed seeing Pepperdine students this year.
“The community definitely felt the lack of Pepperdine support this year,” Aroditis said. “Multiple people came to our table and mentioned it.”
Malibu also felt the lack of student-made chili, especially because Alpha Phi did not cook any chili this year. Members volunteered instead.
“We ended up breaking another tradition by volunteering instead of competing,” Nordstrom said. “I’m really glad we did it.”
Alpha Phi members could be seen scattered about the carnival at different booths like the shirt booth or the bounce house.
Both Nordstrom and Aroditis said one of their favorite parts about the day was meeting and working with interesting people.
The Malibu Chili Cook-off is a fundraiser for the Malibu Kiwanis Club, an organization that raises money to help issues regarding children, ranging from adoption to risk prevention to Special Olympics, according to Nordstrom.
“The Malibu Chili Cook-off is like a carnival,” Aroditis added.“Locals and celebrities come out with their families and we are finally able to see the community aspect of such a rich city.”
09-08-2005