Shannon McAfee has found a way to hurt the Huskies and help those with Alzheimer’s – simultaneously.

In the spirit of the Apple Cup, the WSU Sigma Kappa foundation chairwoman organized a little competition.

Her chapter and University of Washington Sigma Kappa are competing to see who can raise the most money for Alzheimer’s disease research and gerontology studies before Apple Cup.

“I wanted to make things bigger and better and make an impact,” senior political science major McAfee said. “I love nothing better than beating the Huskies. If we can raise money while doing it, why not?” The games have begun.

As of Tuesday, WSU Sigma Kappa had raised more than $2,000 since starting four days ago, McAfee said.

The UW chapter has raised $900, starting a few weeks ago, said Molly Stephanson, the UW Sigma Kappa foundation chairwoman and a junior political science major.

WSU Sigma Kappa is selling Apple Cup T-shirts and hosting a raffle of goods adorned with the signatures of former and present Cougar athletes, such as Drew Bledsoe, Alex Brink and the current men’s basketball team.

“Oh gracious, we have a lot of things,” McAfee said. “I haven’t seen any other fundraisers on campus get items like these.” The sorority received the items after McAfee wrote letters to the athletes asking for donations. She said she was amazed by the generosity of Cougars.

“Within a week, for each of the letters, I got something in the mail,” she said. “I discovered if you ask for something a lot of people will come through for you.” The sorority will sell the shirts and raffle tickets in the CUB, across from The Bookie, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day until the Apple Cup.

The shirts, emblazoned with a rotten purple and gold apple theme designed by house member Jen Kramer, are $12 or two for $20. Raffle tickets are $1 or 12 for $10. After the competition, raffle winners get to pick which item they want by the order their ticket is drawn, McAfee said.

UW Sigma Kappa is sending out postcards to friends and family and sold a different shirt design within the house for $15, Stephanson said.

WSU Sigma Kappa hopes to raise at least $3,000 in profit from the fundraiser. The UW chapter hasn’t set a specific goal.

This is the first time the two chapters have competed in a fundraiser – something new and exciting for women in the houses, said Abby Moak, WSU Sigma Kappa president and junior apparel, merchandising, design and textiles major.

“I think it’s cool that we’re able to work with the other house. We’re promoting sisterhood with friendly rivalry,” she said. “It’s a good way to raise a lot more money than our normal philanthropy. And it’s a great way to promote our Coug spirit.” When Apple Cup comes, the UW chapter will visit the WSU chapter as a sisterhood event. There, the loser of the competition will congratulate the winner.

Both chapters plan to do the competition again next year, but the UW Sigma Kappa is planning a bigger project, Stephanson said. It will be easier for the UW chapter when the Apple Cup is on its turf.

McAfee said the WSU chapter wants to turn the Apple Cup competition into tradition.

“It’s just a great way to show that Cougs care,” she said.