Making Waves for a Cause — Delta Gamma Hosts Annual Anchor Splash
SALISBURY, Md. — A fun-filled day of pool relays, synchronized dance routines and team competitions helped Delta Gamma raise more than $8,500 to support its philanthropy.
Delta Gamma, a nationally recognized sorority, held its annual Anchor Splash event Thursday, Oct. 1, bringing together Salisbury University students and organizations for a day of water-themed competitions and activities.
(Images courtesy of Delta Gamma Sorority, Zeta Psi chapter.)
Anchor Splash is one of Delta Gamma’s annual philanthropy events. Sororities, fraternities, clubs and other Salisbury students can create teams and compete in different relay races in the pool.
“I think Anchor Splash is such a fun event because it brings so many different people together while still having a purpose behind it,” Vice President of Foundation Kristen Morro said. “People get to have fun, meet new people, compete and learn about our philanthropy at the same time.”
(Images courtesy of Delta Gamma Sorority, Zeta Psi chapter.)
The event supports Delta Gamma’s sole philanthropy, Service for Sight, which focuses on helping people who are blind or have low vision.
Service for Sight was officially established in 1936 after Ruth Billow, a Delta Gamma sister who was blind, petitioned the sorority to adopt helping people who are visually impaired as a cause. Through their philanthropy, the sisters fundraise, volunteer and raise awareness about vision loss and accessibility.
“Being part of a philanthropy that has such a long history within Delta Gamma makes it feel even more meaningful,” Morro said. “I am really proud that our chapter gets to continue that work.”
The real work starts in the summer leading up to the annual Anchor Splash event. This planning process included submitting preplans, getting approvals, obtaining licenses, ordering T-shirts, organizing raffle baskets, planning relays and preparing decorations.
Morro, who was responsible for planning, shared how she was not alone in the process.
“One thing I really love about Delta Gamma is that we have different committees that help make all of this possible,” Morro said. “I really enjoy being able to see all of those different pieces come together and knowing that so many people in our chapter contribute to making the event successful.”
This year’s Anchor Splash rose to a new level by surpassing its goal of $5,000.
“Knowing that we were able to reach and go beyond our goal was so exciting,” Morro said. “Seeing the event grow and knowing that all of our hard work is helping us raise more money for Service for Sight has been really meaningful to me.”
To raise money, Zeta Psi promoted its event and philanthropy through Anchor Week.
Anchor Week takes place during the week of the Anchor Splash event. Outside in Red Square, from Monday through Thursday, the chapter had tables set up to sell different items each day and provide information about the event and its philanthropy.
(Graphics courtesy of Delta Gamma's Instagram page)
Not only did the tables help raise funds, but social media also helped the chapter surpass its goal. Its Instagram account supplied links and QR codes with different flyers to encourage sign-ups.
“I think using all of these different ways helps us reach more students and organizations,” Morro said. “It gives people multiple opportunities to learn about Anchor Splash and get involved.”
As Anchor Splash continues to be a fun event for SU students to get involved in, Delta Gamma hopes the event leaves the Salisbury community with greater awareness.
“I hope students and the Salisbury community take away a better understanding of what Delta Gamma stands for and why Service for Sight is so important to us,” Morro said.
By NICOLE MILLER
Managing Editor
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