Delta Tau Delta made a splash this semester with their first-ever Beach Bash. The sand volleyball tournament supports Breakthrough T1D, the fraternity’s national philanthropy partner dedicated to funding research for juvenile Type 1 Diabetes.
The event, held on UNK’s brand-new sand volleyball courts, brought together students, community members and campus organizations for an afternoon of fun, friendly competition and philanthropy. A total of seven teams competed across men’s, women’s and co-rec brackets, ultimately raising $1,425 for Breakthrough T1D.
Philanthropy chairman Lance Haberman said the tournament was the high point of weeks of planning and outreach.
“As the Delt philanthropy chairman, my role has been to organize the sand volleyball tournament,” Haberman said. “I worked with UNK Rec to set up the event, coordinated teams, scheduled our members to officiate and even brought in Tropical Sno so people could have fun while supporting a good cause.”
Haberman explained that the fraternity saw the new sand courts as the perfect opportunity to launch a fall philanthropy event that could become a tradition.
“We chose to have a sand volleyball tournament since UNK just opened new courts on campus,” he said. “We saw it as an opportunity to bring people together on campus, especially the entire Greek life community.”
Brodie Mitchell, vice president, also said there is a goal of consistency.
“Delta Tau Delta has struggled to find a consistent philanthropy during the fall semester,” Mitchell said. “One of my goals this year was to come up with an idea for an event that would stick. With sand volleyball being so popular at UNK, we felt this could be something to grow year after year.”
Haberman said the tournament’s purpose went beyond just playing volleyball.
“At the end of the day, it’s not about winning the tournament, but raising awareness for Type 1 Diabetes research,” Haberman said.
Mitchell said he hoped the event would help people understand the impact of Type 1 Diabetes.
“With so many individuals being affected by Type 1 Diabetes, I hope this event brings awareness to how widespread the disease is,” Mitchell said. “Every dollar we raise brings us closer to curing this disease.”
For chapter president Dylan Pfeifer, the cause carries personal significance as he prepares for a career in the healthcare field.
“The most impactful thing and what I enjoy the most is that it is something bigger than yourself,” Pfeifer said. “With the money we are raising, we can help with research and help the individuals and patients who have Type 1 Diabetes.”
The fraternity’s commitment goes beyond just one tournament. Earlier this month, nearly 20 members volunteered at the Breakthrough T1D walk at Yanney Park.
“That itself speaks to the level of commitment Delt has to our philanthropy,” Mitchell said.
The Beach Bash also gave students and community members a chance to see another side of Greek life.
“Hopefully this event will bring the entire UNK campus student body together, promoting an environment that is welcoming and fun,” Haberman said. “As a member of Delt, I think this event will help bring a positive mindset about Greek life as a whole.”
With a strong turnout and a cause close to their hearts, Delt hopes to keep the tradition going.
“I really feel sand volleyball is a popular choice of physical activity at UNK and hope this event can grow to be just as successful as our spring philanthropy,” Mitchell said.
For those who couldn’t play but still wanted to support, the fraternity encouraged donations through social media and participation in t-shirt sales.
Pfeifer said Greek life is really about making a difference beyond oneself and the importance of giving back to others.
“It’s bigger than yourself,” Pfeifer said. “I think that’s what fraternities and Greek life as a whole are all about.”
