Philanthropy
Delta Delta Delta’s national philanthropy is St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatment that is not covered by insurance. St. Jude covers the cost of everything: treatment, food, travel and lodging for patients and a family member. With approximately 5,400 active status patients, the hospital’s daily operating costs are nearly $1.3 million, which are primarily covered by public contributions. At the Delta Delta Delta 2006 National Conference, Tri Delta made a pledge to raise $10 million in 10 years for St. Jude. By July 2010, Tri Delta chapters nationwide had already raised $10 million, and we are on our way to far exceed our 10-year goal!
In March 2008, the Alpha Rho chapter at UGA signed a pledge to raise $62,500 towards the national goal of $10 million in 10 years for St. Jude. Our first annual Sincerely Yours Letter Writing Campaign kicked off the fundraising with over $20,000 in donations.
Other annual St. Jude fundraising events we hold include a Pancake Supper, Silent Auction and Cookbook Sales. The Pancake Supper is held each year on Fat Tuesday, and people from all across campus come to the Tri Delta house for an unlimited pancake dinner. With live music and a pancake eating contest, the Pancake Supper is always entertaining! The 2009 Pancake Supper was an incredible success raising $7,398 for St. Jude. During Parent’s Weekend each year, we also have a Silent Auction filled with great gifts donated by friends, family and local businesses. The 2009 Silent Auction raised $3,476 for St. Jude. A new fundraiser was created in 2009 after combining delicious recipes from our members into a Tri Delta cookbook. Cookbook Sales totaled $808 in its first distribution. We also participate in the Give Thanks Walk in Atlanta, which raised $40,000 for St. Jude in 2009.
Relay for Life is another important organization to Delta Delta Delta. Relay for Life is an overnight walk honoring those who have battled cancer, and it benefits the American Cancer Society’s search for a cure. This organization is particularly important to us because a Tri Delta was one of the founders of UGA Relay in 2000. Today UGA Relay is one of the nation’s largest events with a total of $306,000 in donations in 2010. Our team ranked #3 out of 144 teams, raising over $19,000 for UGA Relay. One of Tri Delta’s biggest Relay for Life fundraisers is our annual fall Bowling Tournament. Teams of 5 enter the tournament in hopes of having the highest combined team score and winning a special prize. Other Relay fundraisers include date auctions, letter writing and bake sales at the overnight walk.
Many of our members are also involved in UGA HERO, which is an organization that raises money to improve the life of the 12,000 children affected by HIV/AIDS in Georgia. Fundraising events include benefit concerts, canning, letter writing, bar crawls and percentage nights at Athens restaurants. In 2009 HERO held its first annual 5K Race at the Botanical Gardens, and Tri Delta Macy Cook took first place in the female division. The big finale event of each year is the HERO Olympics, where hundreds of kids in the HERO for children program come to Athens for the day and participate in fun events such as obstacle courses, carnival games, cookie decorating and face painting. In 2009 Tri Delta raised $7,248 for HERO.
UGA Miracle is another organization that many Tri Deltas participate in. Throughout the year, UGA Miracle holds special events to raise money for Children’s Miracle Network, which directly benefits Georgia's own Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. UGA Miracle’s end-of-the-year finale event is a 24-hour dance marathon filled with live music, games, dancing, food, and the big check reveal for Children’s Miracle Network.
Visit our Campus Involvement page for more organizations and philanthropies that we participate in.
