Greeks play volleyball for Middle Way House

Alpha Chi Omega will hold its annual Volleyball Classic to benefit Middle Way House at noon Saturday in the Tundra between Foster Quad and Kappa Delta.\nSixteen non-greek and greek teams will compete in a double-elimination volleyball tournament. This is the first year Alpha Chi has made a strong effort to involve the campus as a whole in the Volleyball Classic, said senior and Alpha Chi Philanthropy Chair Tristan Edick. For instance, Panhallenic Association and the Student Alumni Association will both have teams in this year's classic, she said. \nThe money raised during the tournament will go toward Middle Way House, a shelter where battered women and children receive help and support. \n"Middle Way House doesn't have a lot of money," Edick said, "so any money they can get helps them stay open in Bloomington and help the people here that need it."\nTara Byers, a junior and member of Alpha Chi, is in her second year of volunteering at Middle Way House. Byers said she heard about the organization and thought it would be a great way to get involved. Byers is a tutor for some of the children at Middle Way House and said she believes that it's an important cause in the community.\n"I actually work for Middle Way House, so I see the benefits the support gives them," Byers said. "Domestic abuse is a really big problem, and anything we can do to help is great."\nLast year the Volleyball Classic raised $3,000, and this year Edick hopes to raise at least $4,000. It costs $60 for a team of six, and $10 for each additional person on the team, to participate in the tournament. Alpha Chi has also been selling T-shirts for $10, Edick said. \n"I would be ecstatic if (we) would raise that much money." Edick said. "By us raising as much as we can, it will really help the Middle Way House."\nTeams will also be able to register to participate in the tournament Saturday morning, Edick said. The price will be the same, and registration will be from 11 a.m. until noon.\nKelsey Kline, sophomore and member of Alpha Chi, said she believes the tournament will not only raise money for a good cause, but bridge a gap between the greek and non-greek communities. She said she is excited to see everyone come out a great cause.\n"It's important to support the tournament because the proceeds go directly to the Middle Way House," Kline said. "I am excited to see the turnout and how IU students come together to support a good cause."\n-- Contact staff writer Maggie Bozich at mbozich@indiana.edu.