The Observer, April 11, 2008
Volume XL, Issue 24
Fashionable shopping comes to Case Campus
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If you've been eyeing a new pair of jeans for the spring but worrying about the price, or if you want to treat your significant other to something nice without having to break the bank, then you might want to stop by Delta Gamma's Charity Denim event from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, April 15 in the Thwing Spartan Room.
The event has been a popular way for Greeks nationwide to earn money for charity, which is how it came to the attention of Case's Delta Gamma chapter. The sorority will host the Charity Denim organization, which has been going to college campuses around the country with a truck full of premium denim. Charity Denim provides the jeans and some staff while the Greeks provide the space, publicity, and additional helpers. At the end of the day, Charity Denim gives a part of the proceeds to the Greeks; in this case Delta Gamma will receive $5 per pair of jeans. Half of the $5 will be going to Service for Sight, Delta Gamma's national philanthropy, with the other half going to the Cleveland Sight Center in University Circle.
Katie Haas, the Delta Gamma member in charge of organizing the event, expects to have 500-600 pairs of new jeans on hand from brands such as Diesel, True Religion, 7 for All Mankind, J Brand, Paper Denim & Cloth, Hudson, and Antik Denim. These jeans usually sell for $150 and up, but they will be offered for $55-$85, a reduction of 40-60 percent of their retail cost. Most of the jeans will be for females, but there will be a table or two for men's jeans.
Dressing rooms will be provided for those who want to try on the jeans before they buy. For those worried about payment and returns, Charity Denim has it all covered. Cash, debit, and credit cards will be accepted, although CaseCash and checks will not. There is a no-questions-asked return policy. All you have to do is ship the jeans back and a refund will be issued.
Charity Denim was formed in 2004 by Steven F. Price, who is now president of the company. The company buys leftover inventory in bulk at the end of every season from the manufacturers and then re-sells them at prices cheaper than at department stores. In the past few years, the company has worked with both Delta Gamma and Kappa Alpha Theta from Texas to New England. Price thinks the pairing makes good sense because sororities tend to be conscious about clothes and hold many philanthropic events.
"It's a great idea and they're a great organization to work with. Hopefully if this goes well, this might become an annual or even an every-semester event," said Haas. Last year's Anchor Dating event, a speed -dating charity, brought in $250; Haas is optimistic that the chapter will raise more money through this year's event. At other colleges, sororities have raised anywhere from $650 to $1900.
"Giving money toward charity is good but I don't know if buying jeans is how I would do it. I don't know if students have enough disposable income to spend on expensive jeans; I usually buy clothes from thrift stores," said junior Ashley Solomon.
"It seems like a good idea. If this means that I can get designer jeans for less and help out the community, that's good. I'll probably be there," said Andrew Liaw, a self-professed fashion-forward individual. If the Delta Gammas are lucky, there will be a lot of individuals like Andrew in line; if you want the best deals, it's best to get there early.
