Lambda Chi Alpha will be hosting events to raise money for the Moscow and Kamiah foodbanks from Sept. 14-16.
The fraternity is aiming to raise $10,000 through financial and food donations during the three-day philanthropy event.
On Sept. 14, Lambda Chi Alpha will put on a Miss Lambda Chi pageant at 720 S. Deakin St. A member from each sorority at the University of Idaho will compete for a $100 cash prize. They will participate in a talent show, interview and watermelon smashing competition. Entry is $2 or one canned food item per person.
On Sept. 15, the fraternity will host a Community Day at three locations, the Lambda Chi Alpha House, the Moscow Co-Op and Friendship Park. Volunteers will be at each location to collect donations from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
The house’s main event is on Sept. 16. The Kenworthy Theater will host artists Tony Holiday and Landon Vance for a charity concert downtown at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 online at lcaidaho.com or $12 at the door.
Dylan Solly, the 2nd vice president of Lambda Chi Alpha and head of the house’s philanthropy, said events like these are crucial for the Moscow community.
“We are one of the poorest counties in Idaho. We’re right next to the poorest county in Washington, Whitman County,” Solly said. “Having a substantial amount of donations to these food banks is vital to our community.”
During the spring semester, the house hosted a fundraiser for the Moscow and Kamiah food banks at the Corner Club. In 16 hours, they raised $5,000. They made the single largest donation to the food banks in history, Solly said.
With such a successful impact earlier in the year, Solly hopes to double it during the three-day charity event next week, shooting for the $10,000 mark.
“Our motto is service and stewardship,” Solly said.
This charity event is a way for the house to live out its motto in a tangible way. Solly said many people care about those who are going hungry. They might even donate to an organization such as Feed America. But after the donation is made, people don’t know exactly where their money is going. By supporting Lambda Chi Alpha, money and food are directly donated to local food banks, to local people, Solly said.
Solly said University of Idaho students are their largest demographic. He thinks it’s important for students to show up to the pageant and concert to live out their care for the Vandal community.
“If you get involved in events like this now, you can stay involved in them later in life,” Solly said.
Solly expects to see 200 people at the Sept. 16 concert, but hopes the Vandal community exceeds his expectations.
For more information about the pageant, donation centers or charity concert, visit lcaidaho.com.
Joanna Hayes can be reached at [email protected]