15 in 3.5!

This past weekend, three of our officers had the incredible opportunity to be a part of the St. Jude Tri Delta Leadership Weekend Seminar in Memphis, TN.  While the conference happens every year, this year's was particularly special for our members because they learned some incredible news.  In 2010, Tri Delta set out to raise $15 in 5 years for St. Jude, and this weekend, it was announced that our ladies blew this goal out of the water--raising over $15 million dollars in just 3.5 years!  Today, our Philanthropy Chair, President, and VP of Membership recount the incredible weekend they spent at the hospital.

"We arrived in Memphis not quite knowing what to expect out of this weekend but certainly excited for what St. Jude had in store for us!  On Friday night, we heard from some very important people including Rick Shadyac, ALSAC CEO, Phyllis Grissom, Tri Delta Fraternity President, and Pete Smithhisler, President and CEO of the North-American Interfraternity Conference. They shared with us inspirational stories and advice to encourage our Tri Delta chapters to continually support St. Jude with great passion. One of my favorite quotes from these presentations was:

“To those whom much is given, much is expected.” – JFK

We are so privileged to be able to attend college, be Tri Delta sisters, and most importantly, we are so lucky to live happy and healthy lives. And that is exactly why we should give all that we can to help those who may not be as lucky. The children of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, as well as their families who never see a bill for any treatment their child receives, are counting on us to help save lives. As the founder of St. Jude, Danny Thomas, said: 'No child should die in the dawn of life.'

After hearing from such inspiring St. Jude and Tri Delta leaders, we got to hear from even more incredible people: St. Jude survivors and patients themselves.  There was a 'Meet the Patients' panel set up on stage that was hosted by Joel Alsup, a previous St. Jude patient and survivor who lost his arm to cancer. We got the chance to hear from an 8-year-old girl, Ana, and her mother about how St. Jude has been their saving grace throughout their journey fighting cancer. Ana is still receiving treatments and waiting as St. Jude researchers seek a cure for her. Despite her circumstances, Ana had a smile on her face and a lollipop in her mouth the whole time. She even grabbed the microphone excitedly from her mother to tell the audience her latest knock-knock joke. Seeing such happiness and optimism on such a sick little girl’s face was truly moving.

We also got to hear from a familiar face to us Tri Delta sisters, Evans! We all know Evans from the St. Jude patient video that we have showed during recruitment before. In the video (see link below), Evans was only 2 years old when he was diagnosed with cancer. On Friday, we got to see Evans today, live, right in front of our eyes, as a healthy fourth grade boy. Evans told us he was currently on the swim team and that he wants to be in the U.S. Army when he grows up! I was in awe seeing that sick little boy from our recruitment videos all grown up and cancer-free thanks to St. Jude." -Sara Carota, Philanthropy Chair

"The most influential experience we had on our trip to Memphis this past weekend would undoubtedly be our tour of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  We were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to visit and explore where Tri Delta’s millions of dollars have been invested over the past several years, and we can honestly say that every penny counts and impacts the lives of the children and families battling cancer.  From the ABC wall to the Tri Delta floor in the Chili’s Care Center, each aspect of St. Jude conveys the love and passion of the mission founder Danny Thomas once had to cure and beat childhood cancer.  As we walked through the halls and were immersed in the daily operations of the hospital, it was remarkable to see what positivity gleamed from a place that was ultimately helping children fight for their lives." - Alex Breazeale, President

"After a long day of touring the hospital, we had been anxiously awaiting the night to unwind at the much-anticipated 'Tri Delta Celebration.' Nobody would really tell us what it was about, only to wear a cocktail dress and try and get a good seat at the front. We arrived at The Columns, a beautiful venue in downtown Memphis, and as soon as we entered we’re greeted with 'mocktails' and preceded to find ourselves a seat up front. There was a DJ playing, a photo booth and an elaborate menu displayed at each seat; it was so nicely put together. We sat with some friends we made from the Ole Miss chapter and bonded over the similarities and differences of how our respective chapters do things. All weekend we were lucky to get the chance to learn so much from other chapters to take back with us and share with our girls.

The celebration began with the CEO of ALSAC, Rick Shadyac, being the first to tell us what no other Tri Delta had ever heard before--we had beaten our goal of raising $15 million in 5 years and did it in only 3.5!!! There was not a dry eye in the house as we watched the video made by many patients, doctors, and St. Jude employees that we had met that weekend thanking us on our accomplishment. Everyone was in shock and the room was full of an electrifying energy, while simultaneously blowing up social media. It was a blessing to be able to experience that moment and share it with so many different people that are working together for a common cause. Everyone danced the night away celebrating with each other and some chocolate cheesecake (did anyone mention how good the food was?!).

The next morning we all met for one last time for closing remarks and awards. To our surprise our chapter's name was called, and we were awarded with the most 'Outstanding Fundraising Event.'  This means that out of the over 150 chapters represented from all 50 states, our Game Day event was the biggest success.  We could not have been more excited. Speaking for all of us, Alex, Sara and I are so thankful to have represented our chapter and for the opportunity and experience Tri Delta and St. Jude has given us." -Kelsey Bilthouse, VP of Membership

Once again, the Alpha Lambda chapter would like to thank every single person who has supported St. Jude on our chapter's behalf and in general.  We certainly couldn't have done it without your kind and generous hearts, and we are looking forward to continuing to set records, achieve goals and, most importantly, help save the lives of the St. Jude children.  From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you. -KM