For students in Negril, Jamaica, funding for a new cafeteria – and the ability to keep their school open – might depend on how many water balloons got hurled at University leaders Wednesday.
Delta Upsilon’s primary philanthropic event, modeled after the classic Nintendo game “Duck Hunt,” allowed students to purchase water balloons to throw at various campus leaders dressed as dogs and ducks.
Two stations were set up for the event, on the Brickyard and in Wolf Plaza. For $1, people could purchase a water balloon to throw. For $5 dollars, people could get six balloons.
According to Cameron Sutton, a brother in the fraternity, the money raised from the event could be the determining factor in keeping The KETO School open.
“We chose to donate our funds to this elementary school because they need a cafeteria,” said Sutton, a senior in business administration. “If a school in Jamaica doesn’t have a place for students to eat, the government closes down the school completely.”
The project also contributes to the global service initiative of the Delta Upsilon International Fraternity, which sends brothers from across the nation to Jamaica each year.
Two of the fraternity’s brothers went on the Jamaica trip last May and had hands-on experience working with the school; this was a major reason that the fraternity chose to work for this cause, according to Sutton.
The fraternity was excited about the event due to the connection formed by the two brothers that worked with the school in Jamaica. In past years, the event has benefited a local Boys and Girls Club.
Leaders from various campus organizations seemed excited to dress up in odd costumes and having water balloons hurled at them, despite the lack of warm weather.
For Student Body President Kelly Hook, the event was a fun and interesting way to help a good cause.
“I chose to participate because I wanted to support [Delta Upsilon] in their effort to raise money for this cause,” Hook said. “I had a blast at the event.”
Other participants included Center for Student Leadership, Ethics and Public Service (CSLEPS) Director Mike Giancola, Student Senate Pro Tempore Ethan Harrelson and Inter-Residence Council President Kyle Winters.
Last year, the event raised about $300. This year, the goal is considerably larger: $1,500.
“We’re also auctioning off a basketball signed by the men’s basketball team and coach on eBay to try to help us reach our goal,” said Sutton.
Pete Strickland, an alumni brother and assistant men’s basketball coach, helped secure the signed basketball for the event, according to Sutton.
