Frats for charity: Monopoly tourney nets $12,000

FRATS FOR CHARITY: Members of Signa Phi and Delta Kappa Epsilon co-sponsored the Capital Region Monopoly Tournament.

On a summer-like day that drew most people outdoors, dozens of students and others took to the Boardwalk – as well as Park Place, Marvin Gardens and Pacific Avenue in the Second Annual Capital Region College Monopoly Tournament. Hunkered in at Reamer Campus Center, the competitors rolled the dice, swapped properties, collected rents, landed in jail and went bankrupt. Four hours later, Family & Child Service of Schenectady was all the richer for it – in real money.

"It was phenomenal," said Brian Selchick '06, vice president of Sigma Phi, which co-sponsored the event with Delta Kappa Epsilon. "We raised more than $12,000 and had more than 80 people playing. It is so exciting to hold an interfraternal event that directly helps the local community."

"It was awesome to help out Family & Child Service, which provides myriad great services," said Tom Hickernell '06, president of Delta Kappa Epsilon. "Plus, everyone involved had a lot of fun. While the stereotype held by many is that fraternity men are interested only in throwing parties and goofing around, the truth of the matter is that we do direct a significant asmount of our energies to creating, sponsoring or otherwise supporting philanthropic events such as this one."

All Monopoly tournament proceeds will go directly to Family & Child Srevice programs, which help individuals and families in crisis, developmentally disabled children and the elderly.

The agency's Michele Simone-DeShellard '83 helped plan the event at her alma mater.  "I'm grateful to Sigma Phi and Delta Kappa Epsilon for co-sponsoring this event with us and for giving me the opportunity to work with the College," she said. "Their help and support was invaluable to the tournament's success."

Capital News 9 anchor Megan Baker served as tournament emcee. The grand prize winner was Scott Fetzko of Albany, who netted a pair of round-trip tickets to anywhere in the continental United States from United Airlines. There were other prizes and raffles, as well.