<p>Philanthropies are those events held by fraternities and sororities to raise money for certain causes and foundations, usually consisting of drinking and participating in a competition which each house pitted against one another. </p>
<p>Can individuals not in houses (independents) still attend these events, donate the $5-$10 and watch the competitions? </p>
<p>This question would be best answered by a current Greek student.</p>
<p>The students that participate don’t pay the fees to play themselves, but rather the house pays a fee (a few hundred, I believe, probably taken from dues) for their team to participate. I know for my philanthropy (I’m female), we were told to ask any girl not part of our sorority hanging around the row to please leave, regardless of whether she be part of another sorority or simply non-Greek. This is mostly because of liability. It is a Greek-sanctioned event, and our Nationals does NOT allow alcohol at any xxx-sponsored event. We would be held accountable for any female who does not know the rules and is found drinking or getting sick at our philanthropy. They never touched on non-Greek males showing up, though, so I’m not sure of the policy on that.</p>
<p>On that note, none of the money the houses give for philanthropy dues goes to alcohol. If any alcohol is provided, it is paid for by students and is not supported through the Greek system. The money donated does go towards the actual philanthropy. Alcohol is also not allowed out on the Row while philanthropies are happening, and alcohol is never allowed in the sorority houses. If it is being served, it will be inside of a fraternity house and an out of pocket cost for the students.</p>
<p>Also another thing for students looking to go Greek, if a fraternity is hosting a philanthropy only female Greeks will actually play and participate, while the guys are team ‘captains’, and vice versa for sororities. No one is ever required to play (or drink!!) but you do have to go out and support your team at a couple of philanthropies a semester. Philanthropies are also usually held on Fridays, so if you have classes then you will be excused by your organization.</p>
<p>P.S. The above is true to the best of my knowledge. Some philanthropies, like ZBT Kid’s Carnival, are not competition based so you’d have to ask a brother in the house to get the full details on who can and can’t attend.</p>