By Elizabeth Stillwell
TAMPA, Fla. — The University of Tampa’s Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) organizations came together last week to raise an impressive $211,000 for Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, showcasing the commitment of the UTampa Greek community’s dedication to philanthropy and service. The week-long event, held from Feb. 15–22, showcased the power of unity and collaboration, bringing together over 1,600 Greek life members for friendly competition and charitable efforts.
Greek Life Gives Back
Greek Week is an annual tradition at UTampa that encourages fraternities and sororities to engage in fundraising, educational events, and team-based challenges to raise money for local and national charities. The event, which has become a cornerstone of UTampa’s Greek life, not only focuses on fun and competition but emphasizes the importance of giving back. This year’s efforts were supporting Make-A-Wish, an organization dedicated to granting life-changing wishes for children battling critical illnesses.
Throughout the week, Greek organizations participated in events designed to promote community and charitable spirit. Among the most memorable activities were bubble soccer on the grand lawn, sidewalk chalk art in the Vaughn Center courtyard, trivia competitions, and the highly anticipated Greek Variety Show, which alone raised over $15,000 for the cause. These events brought Greek life members together in both spirited competition and a collective mission to support an incredible cause.
Raising Awareness Beyond Fundraising
In addition to fundraising, Greek organizations worked together to promote awareness for Make-A-Wish and the importance of giving back. Through social media campaigns, community outreach, and on-campus events, students engaged their peers in the cause and highlighted the importance of service in Greek life.
Brianna Murch, a member of Sigma Kappa and Greek Week captain, looks forward to the week of friendly competition and philanthropy every year.
“It’s great because the whole week is about obviously fundraising money for these charities,” said Murch. “We obviously have a lot of fun doing it too.”
Murch, who has seen the event grow year after year, highlighted how Greek Week strengthens bonds between chapters while contributing to a cause much larger than any individual or organization.
Top Fundraisers
Greek Week participants represent the three governing councils: Interfraternity Council, College Panhellenic Association, and Unified Greek Council. Teams were divided into Disney-themed groups, competing in various challenges to earn points throughout the week. Leading the fundraising efforts was Team Cheetah Girls, Zeta Tau Alpha, and Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI), which raised a total of $62,274, an impressive portion of the total donations.
“We could not be more grateful to have had the opportunity to do so,” Zeta Tau Alpha stated in an Instagram post after winning this year’s Greek Week. “Thank you to everyone who donated and helped us raise so much money for an amazing cause.”
Other top fundraising teams included:
- Team Teen Beach Movie: Raised $61,217
- Team High School Music: Raised $26, 217
Greek Week continues to be a major philanthropic event at UTampa, reinforcing the university’s commitment to community engagement, leadership, and service. This year’s fundraising success reflects the dedication of the UTampa Greek community to making a positive impact and their ability to unite for the greater good. The funds raised will go directly to Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, helping grant wishes for children in need of hope and joy during difficult times. With more than $211,000 raised, the success of this year’s event further solidifies Greek Week as a celebration of community, generosity, and the spirit of giving.
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Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Stillwell.