On October 12, the siblings of Alpha Chi Omega turned their home into a fairground for the second annual Carnation Carnival, an event filled with fun and philanthropy.
It was more than just an afternoon of laughter, games, and sunshine at Millikin University.
The colorful affair invited Millikin students and members of the Decatur community to enjoy a Sunday afternoon packed with classic carnival activities, music, and food. Beneath the cheerful atmosphere, however, was a deeper purpose: raising money for Dove, Inc., a domestic violence shelter serving families throughout the Decatur area.
The event was spearheaded by Abi Robison, a commercial music major who serves as Alpha Chi Omega’s Vice President of Philanthropy. For Robison, planning the event was no small feat.
“It’s a lot,” Robison said. “I had to organize music, food, and games. We reached out to local businesses for sponsorships and donations, made graphics and T-shirts, and worked with the chapter to paint signs and decorate.”
Promoting the event was another beast entirely.
“We’ve been posting on our Instagram,” Robison said. “There were some flyers put up on campus. There was calling and emailing businesses to ask if they’d be interested in supporting at all. A lot of it’s just word of mouth, like asking friends to come.”
Their team effort was easy to see. The sorority’s members were spread across the pavement, running games, painting faces, and greeting guests as they arrived. Some even embraced the carnival theme head-on. One member was dressed in full clown attire while grilling hot dogs, adding an extra dose of fun to the day.
“Having everybody show up and be super happy while standing in the hot sun for hours,” Robison said. “[It] makes all the effort feel worth it.”
There was something for everyone to enjoy. From cornhole to ring toss, guests were encouraged to play their way through the carnival while supporting a good cause. Robison herself couldn’t hide her enthusiasm for her personal favorite attraction, mini golf.
“Mini golf is new for this year,” Robison said. “Last year, we had blow-up ax-throwing. I wanted to try something a little different. So we got mini golf, and I think it’s fun, personally.”
Some guests took turns pieing chapter members in the face, while others stopped by the comfort animal area to relax with some friendly furry visitors. All afternoon, live music filled the air, creating a perfect backdrop to the sunshine and smiling faces.
As the fall sun blazed down, the organizers made sure guests had plenty of ways to cool off. Visitors could step inside for some shade and enjoy lemonade, water, shaved ice, and, of course, no carnival would be complete without freshly popped popcorn.
While the games and laughter brought people together, the heart of the carnival lay in its mission. The funds raised from the event go directly to Dove, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence.
Karley Blau, another Alpha Chi Omega member, was all smiles as she worked the pie station. Blau understood every pie to the face had a meaning behind it.
“This is all for the local Dove shelter,” Blau said. “We’re raising money for them. It’s a domestic violence shelter that helps people directly in Decatur.”
So far, Alpha Chi Omega has raised $2,274 through the carnival, and the chapter is collecting donations until October 19. They hope to reach their final goal of $3,500.
For Alpha Chi Omega, the Carnation Carnival wasn’t just about popcorn and games. It was about standing together for something bigger than themselves and supporting survivors through Dove, Inc. The event showed how dedication and teamwork can make a real impact right here in Decatur.
If you’re interested in donating, click the link below.
