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DPU Little 5 raises $6,608 for United Way
Over the weekend, DePauw students competed in the final event of this year’s DePauw Little 5 bicycle race. The annual tradition pits teams against one another during a series of week-long events, earning points and competing for an overall title.
This year, teams were racing for more than just a trophy and bragging rights, they were competing to raise funds on behalf of the United Way of Putnam County.
In total, DePauw students raised $6,608 for the United Way, all of which stays in Putnam County and supports important programs and social services that fight for the health, education and financial stability of all within the community.
The DePauw Little 5 Campaign was the idea of United Way of Putnam County Executive Director Chris Flegal. An avid cyclist himself, Flegal has been involved with Little 5 for four years, volunteering as their official race mechanic.
“If there is one thing I’ve learned about DePauw students over the years, it’s that they truly want to make a difference in our community,” Flegal said. “The Little 5 Campaign allowed students to make a huge impact for the people of Putnam County, while having a ton of fun in the process.”
The campaign incentivized teams and individual racers to fundraise throughout the month of April, soliciting donations and lap-sponsorships from friends, family, peers and house alumni. Points were then distributed based on the total amounts raised by each team and individual rider.
Pi Beta Phi was the highest-earning team, raising $2,115 ($835 more than their second-placed rivals, Alpha Chi Omega) and winning the campaign’s team competition.
Both Alpha Chi and Delta Upsilon’s successful campaigning contributed to their overall Little 5 wins for the women’s and men’s race, respectively.
“Pi Beta Phi is so happy to raise money for the United Way because it is a way for members to give back to a community that has given us so much,” rider Mallory Bell said. “While Little 5 is only one week out of the year, we know that the money raised in this campaign will have a vital importance all year long.”
Senior Emily Troyer and junior Mitchael Evans both won the campaign’s individual rider award for the most lap sponsorships.
“I am beyond thrilled by the results of our first DePauw Little 5 Campaign,” Flegal said. “This would not have been possible without the support of the Little 5 Steering Committee — Aaron Worley, Mason Seeger, Professor Kent Menzel — and of course the amazing DePauw student-racers who campaigned like true champions. I am excited to do it again next year.”