Philanthropy

WSU’s Tri Delta is committed to steadfast community service, a legacy that began at the very colonization of our fraternity. We never lack for events in which our members can participate to further Tri Delta’s philanthropic efforts.

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.



St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

St. Jude is a hospital located in Memphis, Tenn., dedicated to finding a cure for pediatric cancer and other devastating childhood diseases. St. Jude offers its fantastic research and extraordinary care entirely free of cost to patients and their families. Because of this, it takes $1.2 million per day to keep the doors of St. Jude open.

Tri Delta established its partnership with St. Jude in 1999, and have since aided its efforts in astonishing ways.


$10 Million in 10 Years for St. Jude

As of January 2009, Tri Delta nationwide has raised $6.4 million in its effort to complete a $10 million in 10 years promise to St. Jude. This money is being used to construct the Tri Delta Patient Care Floor on the St. Jude campus.

The Patient Care Floor features:
  • 18 new inpatient suites
  • 30 percent more space in each room
  • Attached parents’ room with full bathroom and standing shower
  • The hospital’s main pharmacy
  • Family lounge
  • Education office
  • Teen room and child life play area

Tri Delta Teen Room at St. Jude

The Tri Delta Teen room has made a significant impact on the teenaged patients at St. Jude. Prior to Tri Delta’s efforts, they were without a place to call their own.

Now, thanks to Tri Delta’s diligence, teens have a safe haven from siblings, doctors and parents. A place to be themselves.

Originally, Tri Delta set a goal of four years to raise $1 million for the teen room. But with outstanding effort and dedication, Tri Deltas nationwide raised $1.3 million in just three years; more than enough to bring the much needed teen room to St. Jude.



Victory in the Valley

Victory in the Valley (VV) is a nonprofit cancer support organization for all ages located in Wichita, Kan. The focus at VV is to improve the quality of life for cancer patients and their families, enhancing the possibility of recovery.

WSU’s Tri Delta assists Victory in the Valley with its pediatric cancer program. On August 1, 2009, WSU Tri Deltas will help at Camp Victory, a kids and family weekend that focuses on the happiness and health of local children suffering from cancer.

VV’s children’s’ program hosts an event for every season. We volunteer at the pumpkin patch in the fall, a Spring Fling event in the springtime and a fantastic Christmas party in the winter.



Dodge ‘N Dive

Unique to the Wichita State Greek system, Dodge ‘N Dive, a campus-wide dodgeball tournament, is hosted by Tri Delta every fall.

Highlights from 2008 include:
  • More than $5,000 in proceeds generously donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
  • Hundreds of dollars worth of prizes given to winning teams
  • Brand-new 6-foot tall travelling trophy given to overall winner
  • Men’s, women’s and co-ed double elimination brackets
  • Fantastic after-party for all participants featuring burritos donated by Chipotle and pizza donated by Domino’s.


Putt for a Cure

In spring 2009, for the first time ever at Wichita State, Tri Delta hosted a putt-putt golf tournament in honor of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. For only $10 per person, teams got a t-shirt, lunch and all-you-can-play putt-putt golf!

Highlights include:
  • More than $3,800 donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
  • A special visit and presentation from a St. Jude patient residing in Wichita
  • A tournament-wide costume contest
  • Five large gift baskets generously donated by Wichita-based sponsors
  • A full day of mini-golf free-of-charge from All Star Adventures East


Philanthropy Awards

In summer 2009, WSU’s Tri Delta chapter received word that we had been nominated for three awards given by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Results are announced in August 2009.

These include:
  • St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Greek Partner Rookie of the Year
  • For best first-time event, Putt for a Cure
  • St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Most Improved Chapter
  • Philanthropy Chair of the Year – Amy Nichols