On Saturday night, hundreds of Cornellians put on their best evening wear and dusted off the wingtips for an evening at Alpha Delta Phi's Victory Club benefit. The event featured live music, gambling and alcohol, with proceeds going to the Greater Ithaca Activities Center.
Victory Club kicked off at 9 p.m., as the John Russell Pope mansion quickly became awash in students and sound. Guests were greeted by the sweet melodic tunes of Johnny Russo as they entered the building's great hall, while waitresses carried trays of complimentary champagne and cigarettes.
"I had such a great time, and it was nice participating in something for such a good cause," said Michelle Waite '05, who was attending her first Victory Club.
A cappella groups, The Cayuga's Waiters and Nothing But Treble, also performed sets in the great hall. A crowd of people quickly gathered around the musicians, clapping and singing along to pop hits such as "Loose Control" and the Jackson Five's "I Want You Back."
"It's always exciting to be here," said Nothing But Treble member Linde Rickert '04. "It's such a change of pace from other fraternity parties and the normal Collegetown scene."
While most wandered about the event, taking in everything the 1950s-like atmosphere had to offer, others hardly left the gaming tables. Roulette and craps were available for those who were interested, but most chose to try their luck at blackjack.
Raul Roman, the only graduate student at the event, was one of those who appeared glued to his cards. Roman said that his primary reason for attending Victory Club was blues musician Johnny Russo, but noted that he also enjoyed the relaxed environment.
"I think this is the most classy party on campus," he said. "It's the only calm party, and you have the chance to bond with people from all over Cornell ... It's a magical feeling," Roman added.
Overall, the evening appeared to be a success for the brothers of Alpha Delta Phi. Besides running the only catered party of the semester without any problems, the brothers currently stand to donate thousands of dollars to the Greater Ithaca Activities Center.
The donation will continue a long line of charity for the event, which originally began in 1918 to raise money for the troops of World War I. Guests bought victory bonds to attend, and in exchange were given the opportunity to gamble in the brotherhood-run casino.
Archived article by Matt Janiga
Sun Senior Editor