Numerous teams, supporters and busted watermelons decorated LaFollette Field on Saturday to celebrate the 40th annual Watermelon Bust.
The bust is the largest philanthropy event at Ball State University and is organized by Delta Tau Delta and Alpha Chi Omega.
The Greek organizations raised money for their charities - The American Red Cross and A Better Way.
Watermelon Bust Chairman Josh King said the turnout exceeded his expectations.
"I feel like this is a really good accomplishment," King said. "There's just a large crowd of people here for a good cause."
Delta Tau Delta President Cameron Seni said he was happy to be back on LaFollette Field for this year's Watermelon Bust.
"[Bust] gets bigger and bigger each year," Seni said. "It's awesome to watch it grow."
Seni said he enjoyed watching the tug-of-war, relay races and obstacle courses and seeing the entire event come together for a good cause. He said having Red Bull providing entertainment and free drinks was a nice change of pace.
"It is always awesome to give back to communities, especially our charities," Seni said.
Alpha Chi Omega President Erika Hess said everyone was really excited and she enjoyed watching the teams, parents and alumni spread out across the field participating in the different events.
"I'm just glad the teams aren't afraid to get messy," she said.
Hess was hoping for a large turnout and donations for the charities.
"I'm hoping we're actually making a difference in women's lives," Hess said.
She said the event this year was more organized than in the past, and it also was promoted differently. She also said she was happy with immense support from the Greek community.
"It is nice to know that we can put on an event that really brings everyone together to have a good time," Hess said.
Hess will graduate this year and said she has high hopes for future Watermelon Busts.
"I would just say always look for new ways to make it better," she said. "You're going to have to go that extra step to do better next year, and I have no doubt in my mind [Alpha Chi Omega] can take it to that level."
Both of Hess' parents attended Ball State, and she recalled them talking about the Watermelon Bust.
"The fact that I get to share [the bust] with them is really cool," she said.
The 40th annual Watermelon Bust brought people together for a common cause and the amount of donations raised will be known Monday.
"We wouldn't be able to do this [event] without everyone who is here to participate," Hess said.
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