This article originally appeared in The Vidette on March 21, 2016.
Chi Omega’s annual March Madness philanthropy is one of the largest events in Greek life at Illinois State University. It draws in huge crowds to the Bone Student Center’s Braden Auditorium every year, with all proceeds of the dancing competition going toward the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Months of planning and preparation go into the making of this event for both Chi Omega and the members of the fraternities and sororities who participate, which makes it all worth the effort when nearly $30,000 a year is raised for charity.
March Madness head chairwoman and senior public relations and business administrations major Julia Lange has been preparing for this year’s March Madness competition since last year’s ended.
“This philanthropy is a prime example of why we all joined Greek life at Illinois State. Yes, there is a lot of individual work with your own chapter, but in the end, we all come together as Illinois State Greeks and we make a difference”—Alyssa Damato
“Ever since I went through recruitment my freshman year back in 2012, I fell in love with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and how Chi Omega got to have such a hands-on approach with the children that were involved,” Lange said. “When I saw how much work it takes to put this event together and how it all pays off, it was so appealing to me. Plus, I really do enjoy event coordinating and working with people. It’s an incredible feeling knowing that you are a part of something bigger than just yourself.”
In order to make March Madness a success, members organizing the event put in a lot of work to make the philanthropy run smoothly. Lange works with the 20-plus chapters on campus that participate in the dance competition each year, as well as with the Bone Student Center and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
“As head chairwoman, I am responsible for everything, whether it’s marketing the event via multiple social media platforms, managing the budget and donations all while maintaining communication with all of the Greek Chapters involved,” Lange said.
