Kappa Delta Sorority hosted its annual Shamrock Cornhole Tournament this past Friday. While it was a snowy first day of spring, that didn’t stop the celebration to garner support for Prevent Child Abuse America, Kappa Delta’s philanthropy partner since 1981. 

While the snow moved the event from its usual location in the Quad to St. Mary’s gym, the friendly competition played on as hundreds packed the small space that was full of music, food, and of course the classic bag toss game. Kappa Delta’s philanthropy event has become one of the most popular on campus, this year having over 114 teams of four, alongside a KD captain, to compete for the coveted champion spot.

For over two hours bags flew through air landing on over 20 boards that lined in the space. Thirteen rounds later, the brothers of Sigma Chi would go on to win the championship. 

But even if you lost in the first round or made it to the final four, the event was a success in that it was a fun-filled competition that was also for a good cause. This year Kappa Delta raised over $6,000 for PCAA, with more than 80 percent of those funds going directly to the Pennsylvania chapter. 

The funds donated help PCAA’s ongoing initiatives to stop abuse in families. This includes the Healthy Families America project, which offers voluntary home visiting services to parents facing many challenges. While the mission of PCAA is to stop abuse before it even happens. About five innocent lives are lost everyday to abuse and neglect. In addition, the long-term consequences create a vicious cycle of abuse, as survivors of abuse are still more likely to commit the act as adults as well.  

Caroline Foster, VP of Philanthropy for Kappa Delta, who directed the event, explains why Shamrock is one of the most rewarding days for the sorority.  “I love the Cornhole tournament, because it brings together so many different people and organizations in the Villanova community for such an important cause,” Foster said. “It is an amazing show of support every year for children right here in the greater Philadelphia area and across the country.”

Looking to next year, Kappa Delta’s staple event doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. With more than $15 million donated and counting from all Kappa Delta Shamrock events, including color runs, softball tournaments, and fashion shows, KD Villanova’s unique event not only brings together Villanovans but families across the country as well.

Even though the next tournament is a year away, if you are looking for redemption or want to be a newcomer next Shamrock season, start practicing now in order to get those bragging rights as champion. Until then, keep a lookout for more opportunities to help Kappa Delta and PCAA to bring an end to child abuse in America.