In 1933, Sigma Chi at the University of California sponsored the Channingway Derby, a new event composed of a series of humorous skits. It instantly became a campus tradition, and by 1935, it expanded to an all-day track and field competition between the UC sororities. Because of its enormous success, it soon became a staple event, known as Sigma Chi’s Derby Days, in all chapters.
Derby Days began taking on a philanthropic nature in the 1960’s, and has remained true to this spirit ever since. Currently, proceeds from Derby Days go to Sigma Chi’s official charity, the Children’s Miracle Network. The CMN is an alliance of 165 hospitals, including Albany Children’s Hospital, which generates funds for the children its associated hospitals serve.
This year, RPI’s Delta Psi Chapter organized and participated in many fundraising events for Derby Days, which happened to fall during GM Week. On Tuesday, two-time winner of the Battle of the Bands, Hat Trick, played live at the Chapter House. A Texas Hold Em poker tournament was organized Wednesday, with half of the buy-in cost going to CMN. The Sorority Olympics were held Saturday. Russell Sage College and Alpha Phi battled fiercely in Twister, the Three-Legged Race, and Make a Brother Blush, among other equally hilarious events. There was a registered party later that night.
Throughout the week, Russell Sage and Alpha Phi helped Sigma Chi raise over $800 for CMN, but there could be only one winner. In an extremely close competition, Russell Sage was victorious, becoming the Derby Days champions for the second year in a row.
Visit http://sigmachi.yi.org/derby.html for information or to donate to the CMN. Rides to Sigma Chi are available at any time; just call the house at (518) 271-6705.
Editor’s Note: Max Schnur is a member of the Sigma Chi Chapter.
