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P H I L A N T H R O P Y

 

In 1999, Tri Delta officially adopted St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as its philanthropic partner. St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance. No child is ever denied treatment because of the family’s inability to pay. When St. Jude opened in 1962 the survival rate for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), which is the most common form of childhood cancer, was only four percent. Today the survival rate is ninety-four percent thanks to the research and treatment protocols developed at St. Jude. The daily operating cost for St. Jude is $1.5 million, which is primarily covered by public contributions.

In 2002, Tri Delta funded the creation of the Teen Room. This is a safe haven for teenagers to be teenagers without being hassled by adults, because parents, nurses, and doctors are not allowed. The room contains game systems, computers, and televisions. In 2006, Tri Delta made a commitment to raise $10 million in only ten years to name the Patient Care Floor in the Chili’s Care Center of St. Jude. In 2010, six years ahead of schedule, Tri Delta members raised more than $10.6 million! In July 2010, Tri Delta announced, it would take on a new, more aggressive challenge, to raise $15 million in 5 years to name the Specialty Clinic. No other Greek organization has had this level of commitment to a charitable partner, and few are raising a comparable amount of money. In 2012 Tri Delta raised more that $4.2 million. Currently Tri Delta Nationally has raised $10.8 million towards the 15 in 5 campaign.

Here at Southern Miss, we host three annual events to raise funds and awareness for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Triple Play is our spring semester softball tournament and cheerleading competition open to all student organizations and community groups. In the fall, we host Tees Fore Tots, a community wide golf tournament held at a Hattiesburg golf course. Lastly, one of our biggest events is the Sincerely Yours letter writing campaign. At this event, each member writes letters on behalf of St. Jude to family and friends to showcase our philanthropy and give information about how to help this great cause.

Our chapter continues to set high goals and push the limits as we remain dedicated to such a worthy cause and this year we have raised over $59,000.

Please visit stjude.org for more information