As classes begin again, the planning and preparation begins to intensify for philanthropy weeks that various fraternities and sororities arrange on campus.

Kappa Sigma will be the first organization to host a weeklong event with their second annual South Seas Week.

"South Seas is going to be held this year between September 4 and September 7," Adam Prosise, senior in economics and South Seas chair, said. "We're excited to be the first big Greek event in the fall, after (fraternity) rush and (sorority) recruitment."

Each year, fraternities and sororities host philanthropy weeks to raise and donate money to a cause of their choice. Usually, these are related to organizations that the national fraternity or sorority chapter supports.

"All proceeds go the Fisher House Foundation," Prosise said. "The Fisher House Foundation provides support to families of wounded veterans."

Last year Kappa Sigma raised more than $5,000 for the Fisher House Foundation and aims to set the bar even higher this year.

A new addition to this year's event is the presence of local and national businesses as the week's sponsors.

"Currently, we have deals in place with Coachman Clothiers in, Southern Tide, a national clothing company, and Chick-Fil-A," Prosise said. "We're still in talks with other companies and hope to build on this already promising start."

The deals benefit the sponsors by exposing their brands and products to a large number of people, while Kappa Sigma benefits from them by getting prizes and free merchandise.

"Southern Tide benefits in two ways: they will increase awareness of their brand, and also help raise money for a great foundation that helps many people nationwide," Preston Hewgley, senior in biomedical engineering and campus representative for Southern Tide, said. "I am excited that we can give back to those that gave a great sacrifice to protect our freedoms."

Throughout the week, members of various sororities will compete in several events to accumulate points. At the end of the week, the sorority with the most points will be the champion of South Seas Week.

"The events include Queen of the South Seas Pageant, the South Seas Olympics, which includes dodgeball and relay races, the South Seas Sandcastle Showdown, and the Aloha Basketball Showdown," Prosise said.

There will be two champions crowned at the end of the week. The participation champion will receive free products from sponsors and the overall points winner will be crowned Champion of the South Seas.

"The big draw in all of this is the idea of bringing our philanthropy week to the next level," Prosise said. "To my knowledge, we are the only Greek organization to bring in sponsors that are visible on a national level and ones who will donate product."

Both the sponsors and the fraternity have big plans for South Seas Week and have devoted a great deal of time to ensuring that everything runs smoothly.

"At the end of the day, the ultimate goal is to increase participation and build excitement and augment the amount we can ultimately donate to the Fisher House Foundation," Prosise said.