Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) held its annual Lily's Classic hockey tournament and fundraiser as normal on Saturday.
Lily’s Classic celebrated its 11th year as hundreds of attendees slip-slided their way onto Lake Mendota, raising money through a four-versus-four “boot hockey” tournament to benefit Lily’s Fund, which supports epilepsy research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
After last year's cancellation due to poor ice conditions, SAE’s event was a knockout, drawing 850 attendees inside the house, according to Philanthropy Chair Alex Orman. The crowds that sprawled over the surrounding Lake Mendota were more than three times this amount. Through GoFundMe, merchandise sales and a collaboration with local bar The Kollege Klub, the event raised nearly $18,000, Orman told The Daily Cardinal.
SAE developed a relationship with Lily’s Fund after a member had a personal connection to the nonprofit’s founders Anne and Dave Giroux, who created the fund at UW-Madison Foundation in honor of their daughter, Lily.
“It has grown to a pretty large scale since,” Orman said.
Orman recognizes the positive connection that Lily’s Classic has on the UW-Madison community, exemplifying the “work hard, play hard” value of students.
“It brings together everything that Wisconsin encompasses — Greek life and non-Greek life, together,” Orman said. “It encapsulates what Wisconsin is about.”
Even while snow covered Lake Mendota, the temperature rested in the single digits and many people fell on the ice, students couldn’t help but swarm the lake decked out in Badger gear. To navigate the massive crowds, some outstretched shovels, skis and even a hobby horse as landmarks for searching friends.
“I think it really embodies the school spirit, bringing everyone together on the lake. It's a quintessential Madison experience,” Nina Reichstadter, a freshman at UW-Madison, told the Cardinal.
While many UW-Madison students have exams this upcoming week, they were happy to gather outside and support an important cause like Lily’s Fund.
“It’s the UW mindset: Lily’s on Saturday, midterms on Monday. You have to earn it, you know?” said Henry Collins, a junior at UW-Madison.
To learn more about Lily’s Fund or support Epilepsy Research at UW-Madison, click here.
