Last week, Theta Chi fraternity stampeded its way to $2,500.

The fraternity hosted Stampede Week in order to raise money for their philanthropy, the Kyle Charvat Foundation. A variety of activities were held to support the foundation’s goal of providing medical assistance to students with brain cancer.

Altogether, Theta Chi raised more than $2,500 through sponsorship and T-shirt sales, all of which will go directly to the foundation.

Annie Morris, Sigma Kappa philanthropy chair, said she enjoyed the games’ competitive edge. Football games were organized throughout the week and skirmishes erupted in Denny Field as sorority women engaged in tackling.

“It’s a great way to show an aggressive side and demonstrate team work,” she said. “I liked seeing all the girls get into something that usually only men are involved in.”

Propriety was also temporarily cast aside for pizza eating contests in which the women scarfed down slices in record time.

On Tuesday, the women rolled up their sleeves and delved into painting, transforming Theta Chi’s formerly bland backyard wall into an elaborate mural. The paintings often parodied Theta Chi’s symbol, the ox. Slogans read, “Theta Chi gives you wings” and “Always Smooth, Always Fratty, Always Theta Chi.”

An egg race, a water balloon fight and a game of tug-of-war were the activites of the day Wednesday.

Women from several different sororities competed in the summer Olympics, balancing eggs on spoons as they navigated the “banana pit,” getting drenched with buckets full of water when a renegade balloon exploded and donning mud in a raucous battle of endurance.

“It was really fun to see girls from different houses engage in friendly competition,” said Hope Rich, member of Sigma Kappa.

Theta Chi put a lot of effort in making the week run as smoothly as it did, said Connor Bogin, Theta Chi philanthropy chairman.

“This organization effort included designing shirts, emceeing each football game and night competition,” said Bogin. “And advertising to local and national companies for sponsorship.”

At the end of the week, awards were distributed for attributes such as possessing “the dirtiest mind” and such feats as “best shout-out.” Sponsors were acknowledged and when the winners were announced Delta Gamma prevailed in the night competitions, Theta in powder puff football and Sigma Kappa in enthusiasm and spirit. Gamma Phi Beta won overall.

Kyle Charvat, the philanthropy’s namesake, was a Theta Chi member who died of brain cancer. The Kyle Charvat Foundation’s Web site cites his “good humor and steadfast positive attitude throughout his treatments” as inspiration, as well as a desire to continue his legacy of “lending a helping hand to others.”

In addition to contributing to the foundation, Bogin said Theta Chi was able to construct a positive reputation and facilitate fun for all the sororities involved.

“We established the freshmen class of Theta Chi Fraternity within the Greek system as a bunch of energetic guys who care about giving back,” said Bogin. “We made sure that every participating sorority had an excellent time at every event. We maintained high energy and enthusiasm for the duration of the week.”

Reach reporter Sara Grimes at news@dailyuw.com.