Friday, November 7, 1997
Kappa Alpha Theta host first annual ‘Shoot-Out’
FRATERNITIES: Fund-raising free-throw event pits Greeks in
competition
By Quyen Ta
Daily Bruin Contributor
Loud R&B music, three long tables covered with food and 55
men eagerly awaiting their turn to shoot a basket – such was the
scene last night in Kappa Alpha Theta’s courtyard.
This year marks the first annual "Theta Shoot-Out," a free-throw
contest between 11 fraternities, organized by Kappa Alpha Theta,
one of UCLA’s Greek sororities.
The event drew several hundred Greeks, each paying a $5 entrance
fee. For those fraternities who entered the free-throw contest, it
cost an additional $100.
The idea for the event came to Kristy Lewis, Kappa Alpha Theta’s
philanthropy chair, during a dream.
"I woke up in the middle of the night and just started writing
down all my ideas," Lewis said.
The contest consisted of several rounds of free-throws. Through
donations, Kappa Alpha Theta managed to get prizes for chosen
attendees – gift certificates for free hair cuts, food, flowers and
other gifts from local store owners. Between the rounds, prizes
were given to those whose ticket matched the chosen number.
Donations from 22 restaurants also allowed Kappa Alpha Theta to
serve dinner to the attendees.
Indeed, this dream-turned-reality brought fun, excitement and
competition to the Theta courtyard.
"It’s a lot of fun," said Mike Wellen, a second-year political
science student and Alpha Epsilon Pi member.
"I’m ecstatic about it," said
second-year student Andrew Wohlwend, a member of Pi Kappa Alpha
and a participant in the contest.
Although those who participated in the event had fun and enjoyed
themselves, all remembered the main reason for their attendance at
the "shoot-out."
Like many other Greek sororities and fraternities, Kappa Alpha
Theta is committed to giving back to the community. Through this
event, Kappa Alpha Theta raised $2,000. Of that, $1,500 will go
directly to Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), an
organization dedicated to helping children in need of
representation in the court system.
Students gave different reasons for participating in the
contest. "I’m here to support this charity, this good cause," said
Jason Ickovitz, a fifth-year political science student and Zeta
Beta Tau member.
"I’m here to support my friends who are shooting and for the
cause," said second-year student Sam Payrovi, a Phi Kappa Psi
member.
The event displayed the sense of community shared within the
Greek system. "We gave up our dinner money and donated it here to
support the Thetas. The system supports each other and their
causes," said Jodi Ezrin, a second-year student and Alpha Delta Pi
member.
After several rounds of shooting baskets, the 11 fraternities
were narrowed down to two, namely Delta Sigma Phi and Sigma
Chi.
After each team made their shots, it was announced that Sigma
Chi had won the contest, and would receive a free dinner the
following week given by Kappa Alpha Theta.
While Sigma Chi members congratulated each other, Kappa Alpha
Theta members also clapped and cheered for the real winners of the
evening, CASA, their national philanthropy organization.
"I’m very impressed with this event. Everyone pulled together
and did their part for our cause," said Samantha Lau, a third-year
economics student and Kappa Alpha Theta member.