Philanthropy

Wichita State University’s Tri Delta chapter is committed to steadfastly loving one another and our community through the philanthropic efforts of our members. Our commitment to our philanthropic partner, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, is shared with members of Delta Delta Delta across the country. Members of WSU’s chapter wanted to also help children struggling with cancer and catastrophic diseases in the Wichita area. In 2009, a partnership with a local non-profit cancer organization, Victory in the Valley, allowed Wichita State Tri Delta’s to have an even greater impact here in Wichita.

Read on to find a brief list and description of our national philanthropic partner, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and our local philanthropic partner, Victory in the Valley, as well as the exciting events we host to raise funds and volunteer for each organization.



There’s no place like St. Jude…

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. St. Jude is the first and only pediatric cancer center to be designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. St. Jude is the only pediatric 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. Visit stjude.org for more information.

“No child should die at the dawn of life.” Danny Thomas

Members of Delta Delta Delta are passionate about Danny Thomas’ mission that “no child should die at the dawn of life.”

In 1999, Tri Delta officially adopted St. Jude as a national philanthropic partner, and in 2005 completed a one million dollar project to create the Tri Delta Teen Room, designed specifically as a safe haven from siblings, doctors, and parents. Prior to Tri Delta’s efforts, they were without a place to call their own and to truly be a teen.

After completing this highly anticipated project, Tri Delta discovered they were just gaining momentum. In 2006, Tri Delta pledged an additional 10 million in 10 years to name the patient care floor in the new Chili’s Care Center located in the St. Jude. By 2009, in less than 3 years, Tri Delta raised 7.8 million dollars. The drive was then changed from 10 in 10 to 10 by 10, a goal to raise 10 million dollars by the end of 2010.

Phi Xi is proud to announce that some of their members were present at the 2010 Convention held in Orlando, Flo. in June, when a check of over $10 million was presented to St. Jude. Fraternity President Jackye Brown Clark was proud to announce that all 138 chapters of Delta Delta Delta donated to this goal in the last year. Being six years ahead of their goal, Delta Delta Delta will soon be announcing the next goal, which is expected to be bigger and better than ever before.



Wichita State Events


Dodge ‘N Dive

Unique to the Wichita State Greek system, Dodge n’ Dive, a campus-wide dodge ball tournament, is hosted by Tri Delta every fall. Dodge n’ Dive will be on September 25, 2010 for the 2010 fall semester.

Highlights include:
  • 6-foot-tall traveling trophy given to the overall winner
  • Men’s, women’s and co-ed double elimination brackets
  • A Tri Delta coach for each team
  • Fantastic after-party for all participants at the Tri Delta house


Putt for a Cure

Putt for a Cure evokes the child-like spirit of a St. Jude patient in the hearts of Shockers with friendly competition on the course, and in a creative costume competition. Beginning in the spring of 2009, a miniature-golf tournament at All Star Adventures is one event you and your friends won’t want to miss!

Highlights include:
  • A special visit and presentation from a St. Jude patient residing in Kansas
  • Tournament-wide costume competition
  • Prize baskets filled with gift certificates and items from local businesses
  • Lunch provided on-site
  • A full day of mini-golf sponsored by All Star Adventures


Sincerely Yours®

Sincerely Yours® challenges each chapter member of Delta Delta Delta to send at least 50 letters to family, friends, and neighbors encouraging them to make a contribution to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

WSU’s chapter of Tri Delta has participated in the program since 2008, and enjoy gathering together to send letters to provide hope for the children of St. Jude. In the year’s first event at Wichita State, over $13,000 was raised through the letter-writing campaign.



Victory in the Valley

Seeking to help pediatric cancer patients locally, a partnership was formed with Victory in the Valley in the fall of 2009.

Victory in the Valley is a non-profit cancer support organization for people of all ages. The focus of the organization is to improve the quality of life for cancer patients and families by providing practical assistance, spiritual support, and encouragement.

WSU’s Tri Delta chapter assists Victory in the Valley with the kids and family program. Members have the opportunity to host patients and their siblings at special events including a fall pumpkin patch, Christmas party, pool party, zoo day, Camp Victory summer kids camp, the Wichita “East meets West Race,” or use their talent in the kitchen to bake for the events. For more information visit victoryinthevalley.org.