Ellington

Delta Tau Delta’s Miss Greek Pageant, culminating in the competition last night, increased its fundraising by $31,000 this year.

Representatives from 12 UW sororities congregated in Meany Hall for the 24th-annual pageant, which raised a total of $92,000 for the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and saw Catherine Watters of Chi Omega sorority crowned Miss Greek 2010.

Tom Shonka, who was Miss Greek Chairman for the second year running, said that, to his knowledge, $92,000 is one of the highest amounts ever raised through the pageant.

Delta Tau Delta President Casey Funke attributes this year’s success to the consistency in management.

“This is Tom’s second year doing it, and any issues that came up were handled more effectively, and honestly, that came with the second year of experience that Tom had,” he said. “… We had more participants this year — that also helped.”

Of the UW’s 16 sororities, 12 participated in this year’s pageant. Eleven sororities participated in last year’s event.

In 2008, $85,000 was raised for the center, while last year, $61,000 in fundraising came from the event.

The economic recession took a toll on fundraising efforts last year, Shonka said.

“The poor economy played a part in this year’s fundraising efforts, but not to the same degree as it did last year,” Shonka said.

The UW Fraternity Delta Tau Delta has hosted the event since 1986. Since then, the event has raised more than $1.3 million for the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Each participating sorority chose one representative for last night’s pageant. Participants were judged on fundraising, talent, philanthropic service, community awareness and personality.

Many of the participants raised funds by holding house events, sending out requests for donations to alumni, and holding fundraisers in their respective hometowns, Shonka said.

Watters, who is also the feature twirler for the UW Husky Marching Band, performed a twirling routine for the talent portion of the competition.

Last night’s pageant represented the culmination of several month’s work and effort by the participating sororities and Delta Tau Delta.

“Tonight is the capstone of a long year of effort and fundraising,” Shonka added.

Delta Tau Delta was also responsible for hosting events and raising funds in preparation for the pageant.

Two undergraduate Delta Tau Delta members teamed up with each sorority member to coach the participants.

“I’m thankful to be raising money for such a great cause and that my sisters from Chi Omega have nominated me for such a fantastic event,” Watters said.

Reach reporter Brian Byrnes at news@dailyuw.com.