Plan for Derby Days on track

Despite the Panhellenic Council's decision to boycott Sigma Chi's annual philanthropic event, Derby Days, the event is moving along, and teams are being formed, Derby Days co-chairperson and Sigma Chi brother Tim Blake said last night. Panhel decided to boycott the annual event last month in light of concerns over sexist activity associated with it, former Panhel President Allison Marinoff said. Derby Days -- which aims to raise money for the Children's Crisis Center of Philadelphia -- consists of events such as a cheese-steak eating competition and a night out at Murphy's Tavern. In the past, teams were made up of sororities. The teams competed against each other in hopes of raising the most money for the crisis treatment center. Panhel followed a national trend of boycotting the event in light of concerns stressed by the national organizations. "The national boycott was almost an order sent down from the national Panhellenic Council and there have been certain allegations on campus," said Blake, a Wharton and Engineering junior. "Nothing is concrete and we've met with Panhel, and while no sororities will be participating under their real names, there will be a number of sorority women participating, particularly freshman women," he added. Blake said that Panhel will re-consider whether to participate in the event next year. He added that he expects more teams this year than last year. "Once we found out that [Panhel] wasn't going to actively participate, we left it up to the brotherhood to recruit teams," Blake said. "Even in the past week, we've gotten quite a few teams." Sigma Chi brother and former Derby Days Chairperson Rick Dagrosa echoed Blake's sentiments. "A lot of people that I have talked to have had a lot of interest in that, so it looks good," the College and Engineering senior said. "And all the events will be open to the public, as far as the parties go." Dagrosa said all teams will be co-ed this year. He added that Sigma Chi is making a concerted effort to address Panhel's concerns.