While playing Tug of War on a bright blue tarp covered in lime greed jell-o, Tarleton State University’s Delta Zeta sorority raised over $2,000 for The Painted Turtle Camp, a summer camp for terminally ill children.

“I think it is important because not only does it bring Tarleton students together to have a great time, but also for a great cause,” Delta Zeta president Merlina Cisneros said. “We also think it is such a simple, but original event.”

Turtle Tug is an annual spring philanthropy event a PanHellenic sorority puts on for the Spring Semester at Tarleton.

Last year, Delta Zeta raised $700, however this year they raised exactly $2,314.12.

“This is our second year to organize Turtle Tug,” Cisneros said. “Formally we used to put on Delta Zeta Man of the Year in order to raise money for our philanthropy. “

The proceeds are donated to The Painted Turtle, a SeriousFun camp founded by Paul Newman. Their mission is to provide a year-round, life changing environment and authentic camp experience for children with chronic life-threatening illnesses.

“The Painted Turtle has offered thousands of children and their families hope and encouragement through its Summer and Family Weekend camps since it opened its gates in 2004,” according to The Painted Turtle website.

During the Turtle-Tug event, a team called the “Admin Team” consisting of University president Dr. Dominic F. Dottavio, vice president of student life Rusty Jergins, some of the athletic department coaches, a few members of Residential Living and Learning and the Police Department competed with the students.

“Anyone can participate in this event,” Cisneros said. “This year we had a small division and large division. The small division consisted of 5 group members for $30. For the large division, it consisted of 10 members for $60. “

Delta Zeta supports The Painted Turtle camp as one of its national philanthropies through fundraising, donating items on The Painted Turtle’s wish list, and volunteering their time to the camp.

“From our great success this last two years we cannot wait to keep seeing the growth,” Cisneros said. “The more money we raise the more children we can send to the Painted Turtle Camp. We are so thankful for everyone’s support.”