March is a special month in Tri Delta as it is the designated month the we recognized Tri Delta’s partnership with St. Jude Children’s Hospital. As March is rapidly upon us,The Center for Living, Learning & Leading would like to support this very special partnership and share some a bit of history of  Tri Delta’s connection with Children’s Cancer Charities as well as St. Jude.

Philanthropy is something Tri Delta is very proud of and fortunately, becomes an important commitment for many of our members outside of sorority life as well.

 As early as 1970, interest was expressed in a national philanthropy that would combine fundraising and volunteer work. It was intended that this national philanthropy not interfere with fundraising for scholarships, and that it have both local and national importance. A third stipulation was that the chosen philanthropy be one that was not already supported by another National Panhellenic Conference sorority.

 Research prior to the 1974 Convention found greatest interest in children, hospitals and cancer. The recommendations provided during that Convention were to adopt a philanthropy program that emphasized pediatric oncology, and to encourage participation in a national fundraising luncheon, called The Sleighbell Luncheon, on the first Tuesday of December. This national event was renamed Sleighbell Day in 1976 and then in 1990, the entire philanthropy program was renamed Children’s Cancer Charities.

 Children’s Cancer Charities is not an organization itself, but it represents the collective effort of Tri Delta’s members and chapters across the United States and Canada who continue to donate goods, volunteer time and host fund-raising events in order to provide for research and treatment of children with cancer. Since 1974, Tri Deltas have raised millions of dollars in support of children’s cancer hospitals, research facilities and cancer camps.

 In 1999, Delta Delta Delta officially adopted St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (commonly referred to as St. Jude) as its philanthropic partner. Since this time, Tri Delta collegians and alumnae members have raised over $10 million dollars in their support.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Since the formation of an official relationship between St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Delta Delta Delta, Tri Delta collegiate and alumnae members have proved their generous dedication to philanthropic service. Some of the various milestones of this relationship are outlined in the timeline below:

 1999 - Tri Delta officially adopted St. Jude as a national philanthropic partner. In the first  year, 15 chapters participated and raised $44,269.

2002-Tri Delta pledged to raise one million dollars in four years to endow the hospital’s Teen Room.

2005-One year ahead of schedule, Tri Delta completed the million dollar fundraising goal for the Teen Room. During this three year period, 116 of 133 chapter participated.

2006-Tri Delta pledged an additional ten million dollars in 10 years, to name the patient care floor in the new Chili’s Care Center.

2007-More than 123 chapters assisted the organization as a whole to raise more than $1.6 million. 

2008-132 chapters participated and raised $2.3 million.

2009-In less than 3 years, Tri Delta raised $7.8 million and decided to change the drivefrom 10 in 10 to 10 by 10, setting the goal of fulfilling our commitment by the end of the year.

2010-Tri Delta announced the completion of the 10 by 10 goal, raising over $10 million in less than 4 years to name the Tri Delta Patient Care Floor in the Chili’s Care Center.Tri Delta Executive Board voted on a new goal or raising $15 million in 5 years to name the Specialty Clinic located in the Patient Care Center on the campus of St. Jude.

In 2010, the Executive Board of Delta Delta Delta announced a more aggressive fundraising goal, raising $15 million in 5 years to name the Specialty Clinic located in the Patient Care Center. No other Greek organization has had this level of commitment to a charitable partner, and few are raising a comparable amount of money. This new goal challenges the collegiate and alumnae chapters of Tri Delta to raise $3 million each year, collectively.

 The Specialty Clinic houses a broad range of different services for St. Jude patients. At some point during their care at St. Jude, each child will likely be referred to the Specialty Clinic. The following services are provided in the Specialty Clinic: cardiology, gynecology, immunology, neurology, pain management, pre-operative surgery care and pulmonary care.

Our member’s enthusiasm for this goal is exceptional and commitment to St. Jude is higher than ever. Tri Delta members have developed an indescribable pride and connection to the hospital and now 100% of collegiate chapters are fundraising for St. Jude as well as other local children’s cancer constituents. Collegiate and alumnae chapters will host a variety of events on their campuses and in their communities in order to raise funds.

We are rapidly approaching our goal of acheiving $15million by 2015! What is your chapter doing to create awareness about St. Jude this coming March?

 Donate to St. Jude today!