The Observer, November 17, 2006
Volume XXXIX, Issue 11
No umbrellas needed at Sigma
Hallelujah! It's "reigning" men tonight thanks to Sigma Psi's 28th annual Mr. CWRU philanthropy pageant.
Mr. CWRU will take place in Schmitt Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $3 pre-sale in Nord and Thwing this afternoon, and $5 at the door.
The event benefits the East Cleveland Neighborhood Center (ECNC), located just down the street from Case.
The center provides adult training for employment, parenting, and other important areas and serves as a safe place for children to go after school to receive tutoring and take part in activities. It also runs a monthly food distribution program and provides support for the homeless.
Mr. CWRU raises more than $2000 annually for the ECNC.
"I have personally been out to the center and have been able to see the donations at work in after-school programs for children of East Cleveland who had nowhere else to go after school," said Jen Rischar, Sigma Psi president.
"Places such as the East Cleveland Neighborhood Center are integral parts of a community and anything we can do to help continue the work they are doing is worth the effort from our chapter."
The show was created as a spoof of a female beauty pageant to showcase males at Case, raise money for charity, and provide an entertaining night for the Case population, according to Rischar. This year's show features contestants from a variety of groups, including Greek Life, UPB, USG, and Class Officers.
The contestants all participate in the first three rounds of judging: representative costume, beachwear, and formal wear. Semifinalists also participate in the talent portion, and finalists answer an impromptu question. The entrants are judged by a diverse panel which this year includes Chris Butler, a judging staple; last year's winner, Matt Whilden; Jen Toohey from Q104.1 radio; Dean JulieAmon; and eight other students, faculty, and staff.
The show is popular every year. Over 300 people attended last year, and the event has sold out for the past three years.
"It's been really great that all sorts of different organizations have been able to participate in this event, and it truly has become a campus philanthropy event," Rischar said.
The premise of the show is similar each year, but the themes are always different. In the end, the real show is determined by what the participants bring to the table.
"My favorite part of Mr. CWRU was being able to ham it up in front of a large crowd as a sexually repressed Case nerd," said Tony Vesco, last year's first runner-up.
"We never know quite what to expect from the contestants," Rischar said. "Having seen a lot of the entries already, this year's show should be fantastic!"
Contestants won't be the only winners tonight; audience members can also purchase raffle tickets to win prizes including Chipotle gift cards, tickets to Playhouse Square, and a gift certificate to Legacy Village, among others.
Mr. CWRU is not only a fun way to spend a Friday night, it is also a way for students to give back to the community.
"It's important that as students in Cleveland we are also being good citizens," said Rischar. "Activities such as this, which are fun for the students but also raise awareness about important issues in the Cleveland area and help out the neighboring community, really raise the opinion of Case and Greek Life [outsiders']."
