Chi Omega Philanthropy Chairs Lindsey Lansky and Melissa Schwartz are prepared to make this year's Chisino the most successful one yet. Chisino is XO's annual fall philanthropy event, and both these girls have been working overtime to make it happen. Their dedication to the Make-A-Wish Foundation keeps them and their sorority sisters motivated to raise more money for the cause than ever before.
Year: 2014
Hometown:
LL: Austin, Texas
MS: Miami, Florida
Major:
LL: Economics
MS: Bioengineering
What exactly is Chisino?
LL: On the surface, Chisino is XO's charity casino that benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Beyond that, it's the only way to legally gamble in PA, a mini-vacation to the Vegas strip, a chance to meet cute girls in black dresses and so much more.
What kinds of games and prizes will be there?
LL: The real question is what kind of prizes WON'T be at Chisino. We have Eagles/Redskins and Rose Bowl tickets, a free Student City spring break trip, a weekend stay at the Sheraton University City, bar tabs, gift cards to restaurants, a mini fridge and even a popcorn machine. Oh, and a gift card to Wawa.
In terms of games, we have poker, roulette, blackjack and craps. There will also be pizza from Allegro's, homemade cookies and cupcakes, Vitamin Water and music. There's something for everyone.
Where do the proceeds go?
MS: All the proceeds from Chisino will go directly towards Make-A-Wish. Last year's Chisino proceeds granted one recipient's wish for a shopping spree. We even went to the King of Prussia mall to meet Terron, the MAW recipient, before he began shopping. It was a really touching experience to meet the child whose life we were changing. This year our recipient is an 11-year-old named Ryan, and we hope to grant his wish for a computer with proceeds from Chisino!
What's your favorite part of the event?
LL: Raising money for MAW! And dressing up.
MS: Last year I was a dealer, which was a ton of fun! I've also loved being part of the planning process, but the best part will be this Friday when I get to hang out with all my sisters while making a difference at the same time.
When's the big day?
MS: Chisino will be this Friday, November 16th from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the MBA Pub, 38th and Spruce St. Tickets will be sold on Locust Walk all week, or you can buy one from any XO sister. Tickets are $10 ahead of time and $12 at the door. Your ticket gets you poker chips to start gambling and at the end of the night, every ten chips will give you a raffle ticket to win any of our awesome prizes! And for an extra $2, you can double your poker chips from the onset.
We heard Missy Elliot might make an appearance. Is this true?
LL: Although I won't confirm this rumor, TMZ says it will be a star-studded event with the likes of Missy Elliot, Evanescence, Mr. Feeney and the inventor of the Toaster Strudel. But it's whatever.
What other philanthropy events does XO host throughout the year?
MS: Besides Chisino, we also have a philanthropy event every spring. Last year, we hosted Chi O Color Wars and had a raffle to win Spring Fling floor passes. Color Wars was a giant field day with an inflatable obstacle course, relay races and other fun games that also raised money for Make-A-Wish.
