Marshall University sororities, Alpha Xi Delta and Alpha Chi Omega, partnered with the Huntington Fire Department Thursday to raise funds for each sorority’s philanthropic organizations.

The partnered groups hosted a kick-ball tournament on the Recreation Center field to generate revenue for each organization to donate to their own cause.

Mercedez Speight, vice president of risk management for Alpha Chi Omega, said her organization uses days like this one to show the community that Greek life is not all what you see on television.

“We like to get involved in our community,” Speight said.

Maggie Clark, vice president of Philanthropy for Alpha Xi Delta, said she hopes that this partnership will bring the organizations closer to the community.

“We want to show the Marshall community that we are down to earth and we work hard for our community,” Clark said.

The organizations had two goals for the event, community engagement and the opportunity to raise funds for philanthropy.

During the tournament, the organizations collected a $5 players fee that was divided amongst the two sororities. The sororities will take those funds and disseminate them to both of their own philanthropic projects.

Allie Sabo, freshman member of Alpha Chi Omega, said events like the one on Thursday are important because it brings sororities together, while having the opportunity to make changes in their philanthropies.

“We hope that people gain not only awareness, but sees that the Greek community is unified and supporting a good cause,” Sabo said.

Alpha Chi Omega sponsors domestic violence awareness and Alpha Xi Delta sponsors with Autism Speaks.

Darius Booker can be contacted at [email protected].