Philanthropy Day - Pause to Give Back

By MARGUERITE KELLY

Six years ago, Phi Mu was the first Greek Letter organization to establish a National Philanthropy Day. Annually, the third Monday in October is set aside as a day for Sisters to give back to their communities nationwide. This "hands on" day of service means that Phi Mu Sisters simultaneously join in a unified effort to brighten the lives of others and enrich their own in the process.

This year, National Philanthropy Day fell on October 17. So, collegiate and alumnae chapters alike joined in the effort to make it memorable.

The Greater Pittsburgh Alumnae Chapter Since teens are often overlooked in favor of small children, this chapter assembled 20 gift boxes for teenage patients at Pittsburgh Children's Hospital. The idea for the project came from Rachael Farber, Beta Mu, who interned at the hospital during the summer. Rachael is Vice President of the alumnae chapter. Together with chapter President, Kathy Lloyd, Phi Lambda, they purchased the items for the boxes. Settling in for an afternoon watching a Steelers game, chapter members assembled the boxes for distribution to hospitalized boys and girls. Cleveland Alumnae Chapter The Phi Mu Cleveland Alumnae chapter, and Delta Omega collegiate chapter from Case Western Reserve University, made "Rainbow Blankets for Rainbow Babies." The blankets were handmade from extra soft fleece, with a pastel rainbow pattern. Each one was then wrapped in rainbow ribbon with note cards attached from the Alumnae.

Rachael Farber begins to assemble the gift boxes for teens hospitalized at Pittsburgh Children's Hospital.

All of the blankets were donated to Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, world-renowned pediatric hospital that is part of the Children's Miracle Network. The Cleveland Alumnae Chapter, along with the two local collegiate chapters, Delta Omega and Delta Iota, joined the hospital's Circle of Friends. This is the charitable association for Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital.

Tallahassee Alumnae Chapter The Honorable John Marks, Mayor of Tallahassee, declared October 17 to be Philanthropy Day in Tallahassee, FL. Members of the Tallahassee Alumnae Chapter initiated this action and adopted "women helping women" as the theme for their Philanthropy Day activity. Believing that this theme was in keeping with true spirit of Phi Mu and its founders, the group gathered toiletries, clothing and other much-needed items to give to The Refuge House of Tallahassee. This organization provides temporary housing, goods and services to abused women and their children. The alumnae chapter was very pleased with their project because it allowed many members to participate and have a positive experience, which reinforced one of the ideals of the Creed . . . helping those less fortunate.

Philanthropy Chairman, Laura Morris, Alpha Phi, delivered the donations on behalf of the chapter.