RELEASED: April 24, 2003

DANVILLE, KY—Derek Hart, a junior from Saginaw, Mich., has been named Centre's March Volunteer of the Month for his work with Derby Days.

Derby Days is an annual event hosted by Sigma Chi Fraternity to raise money for Indian Summer camp, which is for children with cancer.

The Kentucky-based camp is a volunteer organization funded entirely by donations. Children attend the camp for free.

"Having attended summer camps while I was growing up, I came to really enjoy them and understand how important it is that they remain available for future generations," Hart said. "The whole campus got involved in this great cause."

The three-day event saw fraternity members asking for donations from the campus community with a series of events. Sorority competitions helped raise additional funds, and the finale was a concert at the Combs Warehouse that was attended by almost half the campus. Three of Hart's fraternity brothers peformed, as did local band BillyBlues.

"The concert was a very creative idea," said Trina McFarland, director of volunteer services. "This was the first year [for the concert], and it was well received."

Hart added, "I would definitely like to thank the assistant Derby Days chair, Kevin Rosenblum. It wouldn't have been possible without him. Also, great thanks to the sororities, the student body, faculty and employees for donating to the cause."

The volunteer award program at Centre recognizes some of the many students who provide service to the local community. Each year, around 60 percent of all Centre College students become community volunteers. The college encourages volunteer service with a community service day each year as part of the orientation for first-year students.

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