First Mate is a male beauty pageant that pits fraternity men against one another in an attempt to “win” the hearts of Delta Gamma. One man from each fraternity is picked to represent his organization. The pageant opens with formal wear, moves to talent, then ends with a question and answer round. The “First Mate” title is given to the man who not only struts his physique and gets the correct answers to Delta Gamma’s historical facts, but whose fraternity raises the most money for Service for Sight.
Delta Gamma’s annual “First Mate” fundraiser took place on March 6, behind Greek Village. The fraternities are given three categories for raising money, which include pocket change, t-shirt sales, and an entry fee of $5. Points from each round were calculated and the money each fraternity raised added to its final score.
Erik Botsford, member of Pi Kappa Alpha, took the title. His fraternity raised over $500. Botsford aced every question and his guitar performance blew the judges away.
“I can’t even tell you how great it feels to be Delta Gamma’s First Mate. To know that my brothers had my back the entire time and financially supported this cause feels incredible,” Botsford said.
The other seven organizations were left with a bittersweet feeling. Although their fraternities did not take first place, they were able to support a great cause. Michael Davitt, member of Sigma Nu, said, “Sure, it would have been amazing to be able to take the title home, but at the end of the day, we supported a great cause and it was well worth all of the effort.”
While the men have fun representing their organizations and competing for the “First Mate” title and thousands of dollars are donated to charity. Delta Gamma’s president Nicole Paparella, said, “This is the most successful year yet for First Mate. All eight fraternities have participated and we were able to raise a whopping $2,500.”
All of the proceeds go to Service for Sight, which Delta Gamma founded to raise awareness for the visually impaired.
Samantha Englert, Delta Gamma fundraising coordinator, said, “We are so pleased to be able to give back to our philanthropy and to be able to help people.” Delta Gamma lives up to its motto “do good,” as they continue to help the visually impaired nationwide.
Ashley Ritter, member of Delta Gamma said, “Service for Sight would not be as successful as it is today without the help of the other organizations. We are so thankful for everyone’s hard work and support.” Each Greek organization has its own individual philanthropy.
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