In a landmark collaborative effort, the UNCW chapters of the Alpha Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta sororities are co-sponsoring a formal ball with the theme, “Winterfest: A Touch of Class.” Collaborative efforts by the AKAs and Deltas are extremely rare. The two sororities share a history of very intense rivalry with one another. At most colleges the idea of the organizations working together is unheard of. The brother fraternities of AKA and Delta, Alpha Phi Alpha and Omega Psi Phi respectively, also share differences that can be traced back to their founding. But according to AKA member Shaunita Wallace, UNCW is one of the few places where such cooperation is possible. “Here, we’re supportive,” Wallace said, “The support is present and unique to our campus. I believe it’s because of the lack of (diversity) on our campus. If blacks don’t support each other at all events, there won’t be enough supporters there.” Wallace also feels as though Greek affiliations cannot break already existing bonds. “Many of us had been friends before we joined sororities and we won’t stop because we joined different sororities,” Wallace said. This ball is the first joint effort by the sororities at UNCW. “We are concerned because we are promoting this to other campuses and we weren’t sure they would be as open to the idea,” Wallace said. “I’m very excited about the ball and we are going to set an example for years to come,” said Tanaga Hannah, an AKA member. “We prove that we can come together for the sake of raising money for charity.” Proceeds of the ball will go to Girls Inc., a non-profit organization that works with girls ranging in age from five to 17. Girls Inc. works to build the confidence and capabilities of girls from low-income families. “Girls Inc. is very active in Wilmington,” Delta member Airess Eatmon said. “They give the girls a chance to do things that they otherwise would have never gotten a chance to do.” Winterfest will take place on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m. at Gracies 121. The club is located at 121 Grace St. Attire is formal and the event is open to everyone. Sorority members hope to see attendance from other colleges and the greater Wilmington area. The ball will feature door prizes, a full buffet and a speech by a Girls Inc. representative. Tickets for the event are $15 and will be on sale through Nov. 23 in the university union. Any member of Alpha Kappa Alpha or Delta Sigma Theta can also be approached concerning ticket purchase.