What started as a modest philanthropic event in 1969 by Theta Chi Fraternity has blossomed into becoming one of the premier winter events at the University of Wisconsin–Ski for Cancer.
Now, the event celebrates 50 years and has more records in sight. Ski for Cancer is returning on March 2 to Cascade Mountain in Portage, Wisconsin.
Mike Marcucci, chapter president at the event’s inception, reflected that, “In the late 1960s, fraternities were challenged for their survival by the Vietnam War and the chapter was on life support. We needed a worthwhile mission in order to become relevant enough to recruit new members. Ski for Cancer provided this!”
The first year Theta Chi donated $650 to the American Cancer Society. Few people would have expected that the event would endure for 50 years and be approaching $700,000 in cumulative donations. In 1978, Theta Chi affiliated with the Midwest Athletes against Childhood Cancer and. Ski for Cancer’s focus became a shared objective with the MACC Fund: supporting research for childhood cancer and related blood disorders.
“The MACC fund has enjoyed a more than 30 year relationship with Theta Chi Fraternity at the University of Wisconsin. We appreciate the energy these young men have provided to make Ski for Cancer a success and support our mission,” MACC Fund Chief Operating Officer Becky Pinter said.
In recent years, Ski for Cancer has expanded from a one-day event to become Ski for Cancer Week and it now stands as one of the most successful student run philanthropic events in the country. It features Shave for Cancer, where the Theta Chi members get sponsors and have their heads shaved; Cyc for Cancer, a cycling event; Skate for Cancer; Snow Queen, where sororities and other campus groups raise funds to support the cause; and finally the day of skiing and fun at a local resort.
"Our 50 year anniversary is a testament to an amazing amount of hard work by generations of Theta Chi's. It is a proud tradition of our fraternity and we continue to view it as our important contribution to a worthy cause–supporting research and finding cures for childhood cancer and related blood disorders," noted Sam Griffin, Co-Chairman of Ski for Cancer 2019.
For more information and how to support this important cause, please go to the web site, www.skiforcancerweek.comor call 847-910 1904.
