VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The Virginia Greek Picnic is back for its second year at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex, and organizers are putting community service at the heart of the event.
The organizers are Norfolk State alumni who identified a need in the community.
Derrick Isabell, who goes by Izzy the DJ, said:
"We seen a void, we seen there's a lot of Greek Divine Nine members in the Hampton Roads area."
But the event is not limited to members of Greek organizations. Organizers say they are opening their doors to everyone and leading with service.
DeVaughn Harrison, who goes by DJ SK, said:
"We lead with service first, so starting with the VAGP Foundation we're reading to the kids at the YMCA. One of our foundation members he wrote a book with his daughter – it's an amazing book."
Saturday's programming brings additional community impact. The event will partner with Virginia Beach police, firefighters, and first responders to teach CPR, tourniquet use, and other life-saving skills.
Harrison said:
"Community service is on Saturday, the Save a Life event, it's a community safety."
Harrison said:
"If you come this weekend you will leave with something."
Organizers say they want to change how people perceive Greek organizations.
Harrison said:
"Greek life has more or less been looked at like parties, strolling, dancing and carrying on. Majority of the organizations are founded on God first and service second."
Voter registration has also been added to this year's event to further empower the community.
Isabell said:
"Even this year we've added voter registration."
The Virginia Greek Picnic celebration wraps up August 29 at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex.
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