After the immense success of their fall event, the Eat-a-Thon, the sisters of Phi Mu are returning with their annual eating challenge: the Pastathon. By providing a delicious, hearty Italian meal, they hope to raise $5,000 for needy children world-wide.
Phi Mu anticipates that the popularity of the Eat-a-thon, which pitted Freshmen Sarah Bender and Matt Beidler against each other in a competition over who could eat eight hot dogs, a bunch of meatballs, one pint of milk and a large cheesecake, will draw people to the Pastathon. In fact, the sisters hope the upcoming Pastathon will be even more successful than last fall's event.
Sophomore philanthropy chairs Rose Zulliger and Maxi Sherman agree that this event has one focus: the children. Plus all you can eat pasta provides a break from the meal plan for many freshman and sophomores.
On March 6, students can come to Levering Hall food court and eat an entire Italian meal: pasta, salad, garlic bread, a drink and dessert for only $5. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Children's Miracle Network, a non-profit association of 170 North American hospitals whose funding provides treatment for some 17 million children in need. This funding provides care to children with both minor injuries, such as asthma or broken bones, as well as children suffering from severe illnesses such as cancer and leukemia.
In previous years, Phi Mu has raised $2,000 for the Children's Miracle Network through their annual Pastathon. However this year, after the tremendous success of the Eat-a-thon, Phi Mu established a goal of $5,000 for the Pastathon. At the end of this event, the sisters hope to donate an impressive $7,500 to the Children's Miracle Network.
But the sisters haven't been able to organize the event on their own. Many local restaurants have donated money and food in order to help the sorority and encourage Hopkins students to attend this event. Local eateries such as Eddie's have provided the sisters with food items such as garlic bread.
In addition to a hearty Italian meal, students will have the chance to bid on various prizes, many of which include gift certificates to local hot spots such as Subway, Charles Village Pub, and UniMini. The most sought-after prize is a $100 gift certificate to a bar in PowerPlant Live.
In addition to encouraging the involvement of the Charles Village community, the Phi Mu sisters themselves will be active participants in the Pastathon.
Many sisters will fulfill 'pasta shifts' during which they will cook pasta with help from Sodexho prior to the event. Every sister will wear a matching t-shirt created specifically for the Pastathon. Sherman and Zulliger highlighted this event as being extremely important for the sisterhood of Phi Mu.
"It is the first time that our sorority will come together as a whole," said Sherman.
Because rush is in the Spring, this will give Phi Mu pledges a chance to be involved a side of Phi Mu that is completely humanitarian. Zulliger added, "Philanthropy is a big part of our sorority."
The Pastathon will run from 6-8 p.m. at Levering Food Court. Tickets can be bought in advance from Phi Mu sisters or also at the door for $5 per person.
