Sorority supports St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through ‘Delta Dunk’

Most people have heard of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, but not many know what the Memphis, Tenn.-based institution does.

On Feb. 16, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament will be held in Dixon Recreational Center to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This is the national philanthropy put on every year by Oregon State University’s Delta Delta Delta sorority, called Delta Dunk.

The basketball tournament, which starts at 11 a.m. this Saturday, runs until winners of the men’s and women’s divisions are announced later that evening. It is $35 a team to enter, and $5 for every extra member past the original three.

Last year $1,500 was made in this one-day event which helps the sorority move towards their goal of $15 million in 5 years. Delta Delta Delta has nationally raised over $10 million in two-and-a-half years towards this goal.

With help from donors, St. Jude provides treatment for children with cancer without making the families pay for the treatment or housing. In order for this hospital to operate it costs around $2 million a day.

This year Emily Oldfield, a sophomore in the house, is in charge of Delta Dunk.

“This year we are having check-ins and activities along with our coin drive in the quad,” Oldfield said. “We are also trying to involve not just Greek houses, but everyone that wants to be involved.”

The last two years non-Greek houses have won the tournament and most years all Greek houses have at least one team representing their house. Keep a look out in the Memorial Union quad for the coin drive booth.

“My favorite part about Delta Dunk is the good competition that is always there,” said Sean Bailey of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity.

Bailey plans to participate again this year for the third year in a row.

“All the games are a lot of fun, in good spirits and for the love of the game, as well as the good cause the money goes to.”

“The best part of Delta Dunk is seeing so many people participating and knowing first hand where that money is going,” added Kristin O’Leary, a senior in Delta Delta Delta.

O’Leary ran the tournament two years ago.

“I have been blessed enough to visit the hospital in Memphis and meet the children who have been there. Knowing that a basketball tournament is funding those kids’ treatment for their battle against cancer is a great feeling,” O’Leary said.

Those interested in making a team or who have questions can contact Emily Oldfield at Oldfiele@onid.orst.edu.

Allie Woodson, contributor
news@dailybarometer.com