Members of the campus community, Greek Life and Delta Upsilon fraternity will be in the Brickyard Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m., taking turns donning a duck costume for the second annual Delta Upsilon Duck Hunt.
Jonathan Melton, president of DU and junior in political science, said the event is intended to be reminiscent of Duck Hunt, the 1984 Nintendo Entertainment System video game.
Instead of the NES Zappers that players used to target and shoot the ducks in the original Nintendo game, participants will have the chance to throw water balloons at the students-turned-ducks for $1.
The duck is also the mascot of the fraternity whose tenants are comprised of involvement, service, social and cultural endeavors, according to Melton.
All proceeds from the event will go directly to the Boys and Girls Club, the nationwide philanthropy of DU.
Melton said he was very happy with the fundraising the members raised at last year’s inaugural event.
Jordan Childress, organizer of last year’s Duck Hunt and sophomore in biological sciences, agreed.
“First and foremost, I am proud of the money we raised … [the Boys and Girls Club] needed exactly $450 for their uniforms and equipment for the softball team.”
Mike Taylor, vice president of service and philanthropy and freshman in biological sciences, succeeded Childress and said he hoped last year’s success and drawbacks would help to better the event this go-around.
“He’s like a mini me,” Childress said of Taylor.
Taylor organized the Duck Hunt this year, and said he is hoping for a successful turnout after all the planning.
“It was a lot more to plan than I expected … [but] being able to write a check for [the Boys and Girls Club] when I’m done makes it worth all the planning.”
The Duck Hunt event in 2006 was held during a period of water shortage for Raleigh and caused considerable problems for the brothers of DU, according to Childress.
Melton said it was enjoyable and rewarding, despite the temporary hitches.
“I just remember it was a lot of fun,” Melton said. “We were really impressed with the way it went off.”
Will Quick, student body president and senior in biomedical engineering, dressed up in the duck suit and the brothers enjoyed meeting people and having fun in the Brickyard, according to Melton.
Melton said the club has even higher expectations for the 2007 Duck Hunt.
The brothers of Delta Upsilon hope to fundraise $1000 or more Wednesday, according to Childress, who predicts the event will surpass last year’s.
“It’s going to be a great success … and a lot more Greek life [will be] involved,” Childress said.
Melton shared the positive sentiments.
“I hope the campus community gets involved, and we raise a good bit of money for the Boys and Girls Club,” Melton said.
Taylor said he is also hoping for a successful outcome, even though he will not likely wear the duck costume.
“If I need to get in [the duck costume], I will,” Taylor said. “I don’t know if people would want to throw balloons at me … I’m just nice.”
The event’s rain date is scheduled for April 11, Taylor said.