By Courtney Hong
Staff Writer
“We risked our lives for the Delta Gammas.”
Although the words of Psi Upsilon’s Mark Horton, a junior, were said in reference to a swimming pool feat, it marked the theme of support that held together the Delta Gamma Anchor Splash charity event Sunday.
Standing atop a fellow Psi U’s shoulders and portraying a human anchor during the synchronized swimming competition was only one of the many ways that Delta Gamma’s fellow Greek organizations showed their loyalty as they joined with the sorority to raise money for the Blind Children’s Center in Los Angeles.
“As fellow Greeks on campus, we like to support other groups’ philanthropies for the betterment of the community,” freshman Psi U Andrew Richdale said.
For Delta Gamma, preparation for Anchor Splash has taken place throughout the year. Held at the Raleigh Runnels Memorial Pool on campus, initial funds for the event were raised through connections with local businesses and the Malibu Chamber of Commerce, and through letters each member wrote to family and friends. These efforts raised more than $4,000.
The Blind Children’s Center, a non-profit organization that is funded entirely through private donations, fits with Delta Gamma’s “Service for Sight” emphasis and receives half of all funds raised. The Center serves children from birth to school-age, and the services provided for them and their parents are free.
Throughout the week leading up to the event, each Greek organization had the opportunity to support Delta Gamma’s cause and earn points at the same time, whether through the entrance fee of $75, purchasing T-shirts or sarongs, participating in a talent show or relay competition, or paying admission to events.
“We tried to show our support in any way we could,” said junior Elizabeth Unruh, president of Delta Delta Delta, which donated hundreds of meal points to help finance the barbecue offered Sunday.
Adopting an Olympics theme this year, Thursday night’s opening ceremony kicked off Anchor Splash by revealing the nominees for Anchor King and Queen and featured a talent show of parodies about Delta Gamma done by candidates and fellow Greek members. The highlight of the evening, however, was not a Pepperdine student.
Rex Lewis, an 8-year-old musician, who was once a student at the Blind Children’s Center and has appeared on “60 Minutes,” was the hit of the night as he performed several perfect-pitch songs with his mother, Cathy.
“He’s remarkable,” said sophomore DG Karah Lockman, who served as director of Anchor Splash.
“I had tears streaming down my face,” said sophomore DG Meredith Kruse. “I’m so excited that we get to support people like him.”
Matt Gray, a junior and member of Sigma Chi, echoed their sentiments.
“Rex was incredible,” Gray said. “It was extra special that they brought someone from the philanthropy. It’s a lot more inspirational to see someone who actually benefits from it.”
Sunday’s event at the pool drew hundreds of attendees, mostly from fraternities and sororities. The Olympics-style relays included synchronized swimming and kayaking using inner-tubes.
The Anchor King and Queen were announced, as well as the overall winners for Anchor Splash, chosen according to how many points were accumulated throughout the week by each Greek organization. Sigma Chi took first place, with an eight-man team that has competed together in Anchor Splash for three years in a row.
Submitted March 25, 2004
