Phi Delta Chi chapter raises big bucks for small patients
The Alpha Delta chapter of Phi Delta Chi raised more than $10,000 during the 2013-14 academic year for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
“I think this is an amazing accomplishment,” said VCU School of Pharmacy assistant professor Tyler Stevens, who serves as PDC chapter advisor. “Since 2009, our organization has raised $43,276.12 for St. Jude.”
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., exists to advance cures and means of prevention for pediatric catastrophic diseases. For years, it has been PDC’s charity of choice.
Phi Delta Chi pharmacy fraternity originated in 1883 at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. The Alpha Delta chapter was founded in 1925 at Medical College of Virginia School of Pharmacy. The fraternity’s mission includes developing leaders to advance the profession of pharmacy and promoting scholastic, professional and social growth in its members.
Third-year Pharm.D. student Jessica Parker, 2013-14 PDC worthy chief counselor (aka president), said several fundraising events led to PDC’s record donation for St. Jude.
The largest fundraiser was DiscoBowl, a ‘70s-themed, costumed bowling party that is hosted annually by PDC. Wine and Design, as described by Parker, offered fraternity brothers the “opportunity to paint and indulge in a glass of wine,” while the “St. Jude Give thanks. Walk” was part of a national fundraising effort on the local level.
PDC brothers also took part in the Prescription for Hope letter-writing campaign, in which they wrote to family members and friends asking for donations to St. Jude.
In addition to its fundraising successes this past academic year, the Alpha Delta chapter had an elected official in the national organization: Fourth-year student Josh Brunet served as Mid-Atlantic Regional Correspondent.
Looking ahead, Phi Delta Chi’s 15th Leader-Development Seminar takes place Aug. 6-9 in Tampa, Fla., and the 70th Grand Council (Grand Council takes place biennially) is scheduled for 2015 in Albuquerque, N.M. The Alpha Delta chapter’s 2014-15 worthy chief counselor is Abbey Ellis.
