Greeks around Grounds are hoping for victory against Maryland for more than one reason this week. A blood drive competition between the University and the University of Maryland is at the heart of this year's annual Greek Week, kicking off today and running until Saturday.
"We are hoping to turn the excitement in the rivalry into something that is going to benefit people and saves lives," said Ross Kimbel, Inter-Fraternity Council chairman for community service.
This year's Greek Week includes a range of events in addition to the blood drive for Greeks, University non-Greeks and the Charlottesville community.
Plans for the week include the State of the Greek System Address today, a bar trivia night tomorrow at Mellow Mushroom, a carnival philanthropy for local children hosted by various Greek houses on Wednesday and a Greek Corner night on Thursday with all proceeds going to the American Red Cross and Virginia Blood Services.
"There are more events than last year," IFC Spokesperson Alex Berrang said. "There are not only events for Greeks, but the larger community, too. That's a big difference and a good change."
With three off-Grounds donation locations, the blood drive also aims to incorporate the surrounding community.
"We are trying to bring it out to the community and make it easy for them to be a part of this," Kimbel said.
Greek Week will conclude at Saturday's home football game against Maryland. A half-time announcement will recognize the University that donated the most blood as well as the Greek house that contributed the most blood throughout the week.
Maryland has already pledged 550 donors for their portion of the drive, but the University could offer stiff competition, Kimbel said.
"I think we have the excitement and passion about our own University to challenge it," he said.
The blood drive competition is receiving support from the athletic department, as well as Football Coach Al Groh. Students who donate blood will receive an orange T-shirt to fit in with Groh's sea of orange, Berrang said.
Planning for this year's Greek Week began last school year, earlier than in years past. The advance planning has resulted in a greater degree of organization this year and a greater number of events, Berrang said.
The Inter-Greek Council is responsible for planning Greek Week and is composed of the University's four Greek Councils: the Inter-Fraternity Council, the Inter-Sorority Council, the Black Fraternal Council and the Multicultural Greek Council.
"From the Greek perspective, it is a great way to bring everyone together," Berrang said. "It's not only a chance for everyone to interact, but to show everyone outside a different side of the Greek system, and also to expose first years who might not know that much about the Greek system."
Greek interaction with surrounding and overlapping communities during Greek Week also helps to counteract the negative assumptions associated with the Greek System, Berrang said.
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