The Daily Orange

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This week marks the beginning of a series of philanthropic events in the greek community at Syracuse University.

A basketball tournament, a hotdog-eating contest, kickball and a dodge ball tournament will give to worthy causes focused in medicine. They also come at a time when greek houses are trying to attract new members, as the fall recruitment season begins Sunday.

The upcoming philanthropies "show people considering recruitment for fall or spring that the greeks on this campus are doing something good for the community," said Matt Abdifar, the Interfraternity Council's vice president for external affairs.

Greeks vs. Cancer

This three-on-three basketball tournament will not only be raising money for the Coaches vs. Cancer foundation, but will also award basketballs signed by the SU men's team to the winners.

Jerseys, posters and other signed merchandise will be raffled off throughout the afternoon, with all proceeds going directly to the charity, a subsidiary of the American Cancer Society that uses the influence of basketball coaches nationwide to raise funds for cancer advocacy and research.

Sigma Alpha Mu, Phi Beta Sigma and the Multicultural Council teamed up to put on the event, which will be the first at SU, but organizers plan to host it annually. The tournament will be Sunday afternoon in the backyard of Sigma Alpha Mu, at 737 Comstock Ave. All are welcome to attend.

The winners of both the men's and women's brackets will be awarded a basketball autographed by the SU basketball team. The event is affiliated with the team because Sigma Alpha Mu's chapter adviser, Bernie Fine, is the associate basketball coach.

This is Greeks vs. Cancer's first year and the prospective turn out in unclear. By press time, 30 teams had signed up and more than $1,000 had been raised through team registration and donations.

"With rush coming up on Monday, this is a great way for students to come out and see what Sammy and Phi Beta Sigma are trying to do," said Sigma Alpha Mu's President Max Kessler. "We want everyone at the university to be involved, or at least invited to the event. Everyone is welcome."

-compiled by Lia Calabro, contributing writer

Like Nathan's, but at SU

Alpha Tau Omega is giving students the chance to prove their iron stomach Oct. 6 at its philanthropic hotdog-eating contest. The competition will be held in Walnut Park, located directly in front of the ATO chapter house, 304 Walnut Place.

Proceeds will be donated to the Upstate New York Chapter of the ALS Association for people living with Lou Gehrig's Disease.

Both male and female greeks will compete in separate contests, making for a battle between the houses for the winning title. Other separate contests will be open to all SU students and faculty. All are welcome and encouraged to participate.

Football fans won't have to worry about this interfering with the game against West Virginia University. Kickoff is set for noon, and the hotdog-eating contest won't start until 3 p.m.

Each greek house will be charged $50 to enter a participant. All other students and faculty will be charged $10.

-compiled by Christine Robertson, contributing writer

Chi Kicks kickball

For those who want to get their kicks on, Delta Chi will host a kickball tournament called Chi Kicks. Though the tournament has been held in the past, the fraternity's president, Joe Romeo, said the house's members haven't played in a few years.

"We're trying to bring it back as our annual philanthropy event," Romeo said in an e-mail.

The tournament starts at noon on Oct. 24 at Hendricks Field, near Sadler and Lawrinson, Romeo said. All are welcome. It's $5 to play and teams can range from eight to 12 members.

The funds benefit the V Foundation for Cancer Research, which was started by ESPN and famed North Carolina State basketball Coach Jim Valvano.

-compiled by Christine Robertson, contributing writer

Dodge ball

Sigma Phi Epsilon's annual dodge ball tournament is quickly approaching. Every fall, the brothers of Sigma Phi Epsilon sponsor a six-on-six tournament, with all proceeds going directly to their national philanthropy, National Youth AIDS.

The tournament is scheduled for Nov. 3 in the Archbold Gymnasium. To enter, teams must pay $30 and register online at SigEpDodgeBall.angelfire.com. Cash or checks may be brought to the house in advance or to the tournament on the day of the event.

Last year, 35 teams dodged, ducked, dipped, dived and dodged. This year, organizers hope to have between 40 and 50 teams sign up.

"Dodge ball is a great way for freshmen to meet members of the greek community before Rush," said Sigma Phi Epsilon president Sean Murray. "It is great for anyone, really. Anyone who wants to meet new people and have a good time."

-compiled by Lia Calabro, contributing writer

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