The rain clouds opened up to a bright blue sky at La Plata Beach on Saturday – just as Zeta Psi’s first annual “Carnival for the Cure” came to a close.

The inflatable obstacle course was deflated, the band had packed up and left and the muddy ground was littered with the half-eaten remnants of pies and burritos, but the organizers felt the carnival had been a success.

Despite the rain, the event raised $1,000 for the American Cancer Society, including about $700 in donations, said senior Chris Madaio, who organized the carnival. He said more than 400 people came throughout the day.

Although Zeta Psi held the event, it had sponsorship from 19 other Greek organizations and one non-Greek student organization. The organizations each put up $50 for a table at the carnival. Many used their tables to promote other charitable organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House and charities for Alzheimer’s disease and breast cancer. In addition to student support, Zeta Psi also had corporate sponsorship from Oak Contracting, Safeway and California Tortilla.

The carnival was free, though organizers asked for a donation of $1 per person.

“The small things are going to add up to a lot,” Madaio said. “The biggest thing is awareness. All of our families have been affected by cancer.”

Zeta Psi also sold Carnival for the Cure T-shirts for $10 and asked for donations in return for hot-dogs, cotton candy and other food. All proceeds went directly to the American Cancer Society.

The carnival included a dragon-shaped inflatable obstacle course, an inflatable boxing ring complete with oversized gloves, an inflatable jousting ring, a dunk tank and live music by cover band Barely Five Feet.

The rain didn’t stop a burrito-eating contest or a pie-feeding contest, in which contestants ate pies without using their hands.

The carnival had been in the making since March, Madaio said. Zeta Psi already participates in Relay for Life in the spring, but members felt they needed to do more, he said. Carefully scheduling around home football games, they landed the Sept. 16 date. Madaio said one goal of the event was to include everyone on the campus and not focus solely on Greek life.

Madaio and Zeta Psi plan to hold the event every year, he said.

“A lot of our brothers have been devastated by the effects of cancer,” Madaio said. “Some of them are looking for their own cure.”

Throughout the downpour, the carnival continued running and Zeta Psi stayed optimistic.

“Rain or shine,” Madaio said to the crowd, “cancer still sucks!”

Contact reporter James B. Hale at newsdesk@dbk.umd.edu.