Greek Week to Include Entertainment, Charity

Although Lloyd's week will begin with a playfully competitive game of tug-of-war against his peers, it will end on a more serious note as he volunteers at a blood drive.

These varied activities are typical among fraternity and sorority members who are involved in Greek Week, which starts Tuesday and features both fun and philanthropy.

Creating a mix of lighthearted activities and charity events is important to Greek Week's organizers, Lloyd said.

"It gives a positive response to the community, and I think we need it," he said.

The tug-of-war contest kicks off Greek Week. It will take place at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday near Manly Residence Hall's volleyball court.

The Greek Alliance Council will host a talent show at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Student Union's Great Hall.

Both events are free and open to public audiences.

The week ends with a blood drive sponsored by the Greek community from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday in the Great Hall.

T-shirts also will be sold at all events. For the first time, profits from the traditional shirt sale will be donated to the American Red Cross.

Greek Week has included charity events but has not attracted much attention in the past, said Jay Anhorn, director of Greek affairs.

Officials are optimistic about involvement this year because the dates of Greek Week were changed from the spring to the fall, Anhorn said.

"(Greek Week) is better to do in the fall," he said. "There is more availability and more time."

The week's activities also are more organized this year, which will increase student involvement, Anhorn said.

"Student leaders this year have made a big effort to pull it all together," he said.

"I expect a really good turnout."

High levels of participation will help members of different fraternities and sororities bond during the week, said Kim Starr, president of Theta Nu Xi multicultural sorority Inc.

She said UNC's Greek community is divided into four councils -- the Interfraternity Council, the Panhellenic Council, the National Pan Hellenic Council and the Greek Alliance Council -- that are different and have little time to interact.

"Greek Week will foster the bonds of communication and networking," Starr said.

"We will have fun together and get to see the different variety of interests in different organizations."

As fraternity and sorority members mingle during the week, the diverse events they attend will showcase both their fun-loving personalities and their desire to be involved in the community, Anhorn said.

"(The Greek community) wants to show people that we have good, healthy, safe fun," he said.

"And a little competition never hurt anyone."

The University Editor can be reached at udesk@unc.edu.