Fundraising for a philanthropy is one of the main priorities of sororities and fraternities on UK’s campus. Being able to come together as a combined community to do just this is something that the Greek life here prides itself on. 

Alpha Omicron Pi is hosting their second annual kickball tournament for arthritis research, Strike Out Arthritis. This year they are pairing up with Sigma Phi Epsilon and all proceeds from the event will go toward several of the Greek communities philanthropies. 

This year the event will take place this Sunday, Oct. 2, at the Johnson Center Fields from 2-6 p.m. Tickets are $5 and you can buy them at the door when you arrive at the field.  

Last year AOII raised $1,200 for the Arthritis Research Foundation and have a goal to raise at least $1,300 this year.

The main purpose of Strike Out is to not only bring friendly competition to the whole Greek community, but to also raise money and awareness that goes toward benefitting deserving causes. 

Strike Out Arthritis is divided into two divisions, fraternity and sorority, and is a double elimination tournament. 

Currently there are 15 fraternities and sororities that are signed up to play: Alpha Gamma Rho, Chi Si, Delta Upsilon, Fiji, Kappa Alpha Order, Phi Kappa Tau, Sigma Pi, Alpha Phi, Delta Gamma, Delta Zeta, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Delta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Phi Mu, and Pi Beta Phi. 

Members from each chapter are volunteering to officiate each game, and are also there to show their support and cheer on their brothers and sisters who are playing. Even if they are not competing, many attend to show their support for AOII’s philanthropy. 

According to Lauren Morehead, AOII’s Philanthropy Chair, each chapter who is participating is excited for Sunday and those that participated last year are looking forward to improving their game and are ready to come out and win. 

The winning chapter of both divisions will receive $100 to be donated to their specific philanthropy, which is just one of the main motivators for them to return each year. 

Another motivator to participate in this event is that it works to bring the whole Greek community on campus together. It is a fun way to fundraise for a great cause, which all of Greek life at UK can support.