Kappa Delta’s ShamROCK the Runway: In Honor of Caitlin Nelson

By Julia Leonard

Staff Reporter

On Sunday, March 25 in the Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts, Kappa Delta presented their annual philanthropy event, Caitlin’s ShamROCK the Runway.

The event raises money for the sorority’s philanthropy, Child Abuse America, and the Saint Joseph Parenting Center (SJPC). Kappa Delta raised over $29,000 dollars for these organizations on the night of the event.

“Caitlin’s ShamROCK the Runway is something I hold close to my heart,” said senior Mary Guardino. “[We are] not only honoring our sister Caitlin Nelson and the amazing work she did, but also supporting Prevent Child Abuse America (PCAA). PCAA is an organization dedicated to teaching parents how to properly treat their children to give them the best lives possible.”

For many members of Kappa Delta, they feel that they have an amazing bond and such a strong connection to the event, their philanthropy, and remembrance of their angels, Nelson and Kaitlyn Doorhy.

“ShamROCK is even more special because everyone is working together more than ever to put on a great show, not only for everyone who comes to watch it, but also for our angels looking down on us,” said junior Ariana Colasuonno.

Staff Reporter for the Spectrum and Kappa Delta member, junior Marisa Tache, hosted the event with Pi Kappa Pi member, Tim Lowell.

Nelson’s older sister, Annie, started off the event by talking about her sister’s kind hearted soul and legacy.

Annie also spoke about the kindness cards that everyone who attended the event received. The card has her sister’s message and encourages the holder to “pay it forward” and spread kindness.

Founder and Executive Director of SJPC, Mary Louise “Measi” O’Rourke, also talked at the event about how SJPC strengthens parents who need parenting lessons and about what they are seeing with child abuse in the news.

The support that the event receives means so much to the members of Kappa Delta.

“It’s amazing to me how much love and support we have received to raise over $29,000 in just a few weeks,” said Guardino. “Working with children has always been my dream and by being a part of Kappa Delta sorority, I’ve learned so much about PCAA. I know I chose the right path.”

Many different members from the Sacred Heart community walked in the show. Local clothing businesses lent outfits for the student “models” to wear and showcase. Outfits that were showcased included casual wear, swimwear and evening wear.

The show also included a variety of performances.

Members of Iota Phi Theta danced, Omega Pi Kappa members performed a step routine, junior Henley Solomon and freshman Charlie Fusari from Kappa Sigma performed John Legend’s “Love Me Now,” and members of Kappa Delta sang songs like Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” and Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and Sigala and Ella Eyre’s “Came Here for Love.”

In addition to the fashion showcase and live performances, Kappa Sigma member Joe Nobile was crowned Mr. Shamrock.

“ShamROCK has always meant so much to me and the rest of my sorority because it embodies everything we stand for. We get to promote confidence while raising money for our philanthropy in a fun way,” said Colasuonno. “Shamrock meant so much to Caitlin, especially, and is a time where you can truly sense her presence [is] still with us and it is really amazing.”

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