“Watermelon Bust” to make more money than last year

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By Andrew Pillow

Students on campus will have the opportunity to throw food and play in the mud Thursday with the kickoff of Lambda Chi Alpha and Delta Zeta’s annual “Watermelon Bust.”

The philanthropy event benefits The North American Food Drive and The Painted Turtle, said Nika Mathis, a member of Delta Zeta sorority.

The first day consists of a pageant, where contestants from each Greek organization who registered will compete in a karaoke sing-a-long and a question-and-answer segment.  The winners will be crowned “Mr. and Miss Watermelon Bust 2009,” said Jason Bridges, chair of the “Watermelon Bust” for Lambda Chi Alpha.

This first day of events will take place at 5 p.m. at the Singletary Center for the Arts, according to the event packet.
On Friday there will be a watermelon-themed outdoor competition, which includes a tug-o-war, a watermelon toss and a relay race. These events will take place in the yellow lot behind Commonwealth Stadium starting at 4:30 p.m.

“They have been planning since last spring and through the summer reserving and programming,” Mathis said.
Over 100 watermelons have been purchased for the event from a seller in Louisville, who also agreed to donate money to the cause, Bridges said.

Lambda Chi Alpha and Delta Zeta raised a total of $550 last year, Mathis said.

“The goal is to at least double it and through the donations we have gotten we feel it’s going to at least double,” Bridges said. “We’re spending less money this year and we’re raising more money.”

Money isn’t the only thing that will be different this year, Bridges said.

“Not necessarily new events but we are changing things up … people are going to get muddier,” Bridges said.
Bridges also said new organizations are participating this year.

“We’re very excited about (the National Pan-Hellenic Council) organizations participating this time,” Bridges said.

Lambda Chi Alpha’s philanthropy of choice, The North American Food Drive, is  designed to raise food for local communities, according to its Web site.

The Painted Turtle, the recipient of Delta Zeta’s proceeds, is a non-profit camp and family care center for children suffering life-threatening illnesses, according to its Web site.

“They’re just two really great causes that people should be aware of and support,” Bridges said.