A beautiful Saturday behind bars? To most, such a scenario is a nightmare. Judging from the scene on the quad Saturday, “Jail ‘N Bail” did not appear to be a typical trip to the big house.
The sisters of Alpha Delta Pi took the words “jail” and “bail” from an unfortunate process to one which meant socializing, fun, games and philanthropy in an event called “Jail ‘N Bail.” The Lion’s Share Challenge event raised $3,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities as well as the Alpha Delta Pi Foundation. RMHC provides a place for ill children and their families to stay while the child receives treatment, and the Alpha Delta Pi Foundation provides scholarships and personal assistance to struggling members.
The object of this event was for each team to “bail” its members out of “jail,” a cell built in the center of the quad, by winning different carnival games, such as balloon darts and ladder ball. Each member of ADPi was “put up for sale” to be put in the jail and subsequently bailed. Game winners were rewarded with “bail bucks,” used to “bail” out incarcerated members. Small teams consisted of four and seven members, while big teams consisted of eight and ten members.
“We are very thankful for the support of the Quinnipiac community and their faith in the event, for a worthy and noble cause,” ADPi President Mary Simeoli said.
The planning began in 2009, and all 130 members worked in concert with the national organization and the Quinnipiac student center to bring about “Jail ‘N Bail.” ADPi Ronald McDonald House Committee Chair Lisa Lowenthal was pleased with the success of the event, which attracted about one hundred participants.
“After a year of arduous planning, the sheer compassion for sick children and their troubles is emotionally moving,” Lowenthal said. “The presence of Ronald McDonald House guests at ‘Jail ‘N Bail’ makes it all the more touching.”
Sophomore Cole Goodman, who “bought” his girlfriend at the event, marveled at the scale of the event.
“The raffles, the games, and the amount of people who came all helped to make today an impressive and enjoyable spectacle,” Goodman said.
Raffles included numerous brands of designer sunglasses, and gift certificates to Eli’s and Ray and Mike’s Dairy and Deli. Many also came to support Greek life.
“I came to support Greek life, especially after Greek Week, which opened my eyes to the importance of supporting other organizations,” TKE team member Phil Pappas said.
The winners were “SigEp 1” for small teams, and “Gamma Ghost Inmates” for the large teams, a team comprised of Panhellenic Council Recruitment counselors.
Photo credit: Amanda Shulman
