The Gamma Phi Beta sorority is hosting an ultimate Frisbee tournament today to raise money for Camp Laurel, a nonprofit organization that assists children infected with or affected by HIV and AIDS.
The event, called the Crescent Classic, features a five-on-five single-elimination ultimate Frisbee tournament that is open to the public.
Donations to Camp Laurel from various groups and organizations usually go toward purchasing camping supplies and transportation and renting out camping locations, said Barbara Estrada, administrative assistant for Camp Laurel.
The Crescent Classic was created in part to satisfy Gamma Phi Beta’s interest in donating to a charity camp.
“We’ve been trying to plan the event for the past quarter and a half,” said Stephanie Chan, philanthropy chair for the sorority.
Unlike with past Gamma Phi Beta philanthropy events, which included a male pageant, the sorority wanted to bring together not only sorority and fraternity members but also students and groups from other various parts of UCLA.
“We switched it over to a Frisbee tournament because we wanted to include more of UCLA, ranging from fraternities, sororities, students that live on campus and various clubs like the ultimate Frisbee team, which will also be participating,” Chan said.
According to Camp Laurel’s Web site, more than 25,000 children in the United States are currently infected with HIV or AIDS and more than 600 are from Los Angeles County.
Usually there are about 90 children participating in the summer camps, Estrada said.
The camps help create a support system for children living with or affected by the illnesses, Estrada added.
Those who wish to participate in the tournament should arrive by 6:40 p.m., Chan said. It costs $5 for each non-Greek individual to participate.
Each woman who participates in the ultimate Frisbee tournament will receive a $30 gift certificate to the Blues Jean Bar in Santa Monica.
The winning sorority will receive a private party at the Blues Jean Bar featuring sushi and a 20 percent discount on all purchases for the entire house
The winning fraternity will receive Red Mango frozen yogurt for the entire house.
Along with the tournament, there will also be free food and refreshments donated by various Westwood restaurants.
A raffle will also be held for prizes such as Dodgers’ tickets, theater tickets, restaurant gift cards and gift certificates to Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers.