Our New National Philanthropy

[ValerieF]

Hey all,

If you look at National's website, they selected the Make-A-Wish Foundation as our national philanthropy. How do you feel about that. Personally I think:
a) it's a good charity
b) I liked the fact that we served the needs of the local community and it was at our discretion, but it's good that this is optional
c) the director of the Foundation is a Chi Omega

[Hootie]

I'm personally excited to start working with our local chapter of the Make-A-Wish foundation! I know this Christmas we are volunteering for them in the local malls to wrap gifts and raise money. I think on their webpage (www.wish.org) they are selling all kinds of things for Christmas...ornaments, stationary, cards etc. So if your chapter hasn't gotten involved locally, you can order those on the internet and still support our NATIONAL PHILANTHROPY! Spread the word!

[Unbelievable]

I think it is wonderful about your new philanthropy with the Make A Wish Foundation.

But Heads Up!: There is a certain anti-greek website (anti-chi omega in particular) that talks about your new philanthropy. The site states that Chi Omega was criticized in April of 2000 by a certain someone's mommy for not having a national philanthropy.....now you have one. I guess these people are taking credit for this. Sick!

[Hootie]

What is ironic is that Mary Ann Fruge, Chi Omega's National President, has listed a letter on the National Chi Omega Website that states the steps Chi Omega took to decide on a national philanthropy. So from what I understand they started looking at national philanthropies before that.
As a Chi omegA I know that we have always encouraged INDIVIDUAL SERVICE IN THE COMMUNITY WHERE NEED-BE. Is that such a bad thing? I think it is wonderful that each Chi Omega chapter can address the communities needs individually instead of being FORCED to partake in a national philanthropy. It's worked for over 100 years now...so we're doing SOMETHING right.
Don't worry Mrs. Smith. You accusations didn't attribute to Chi Omega finally deciding to take on a national philanthropy (like you wish). I've been in Chi Omega for 3 years (before your precious daughter ever went away to college). This is something Chi Omega has been considering for a while!
But think what you want...like I've said before "Ignorance is Bliss"!

[hoot hoot]

It is true that nationals has been thinking about designating a national philanthropy for years. But, as you all know, nationals does not act hastily. In fact, they surveyed the chapter presidents last winter ro see what we thought about it. I was originally was concerned about the idea of a national philanthropy, because I did not want to merely do fundraising. But, I am really pleased with the idea of Make a Wish because we will have the opportunity to hands on service.

[soror6]

Hey, Chi-O's!
I just happened to chime in on this thread, and I wanted to say this...I think that your National Philanthropy idea is a wonderful thing, and it really doesn't matter what other people and their negative sites have to say about it. You are doing the right thing, and the children at Make-a-Wish love you for your effort. I am a member of a BGLO, and we have a national philanthropy every year. we were founded on public service, so I am a huge advocate of it. Although we may have a national focus on a particular organization, that does not stop each chapter from doing something in their chapter's community in addition to what the national focus may be for that particular year. When I was an undergrad, we probably averaged 15 to 20 projects each month! We made sure we addressed the needs of the community, as well as the requests of our national HQ. It will work out for you too, I am sure of it!
Good luck to you all, and have a great day!
Jennifer - Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
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[RedHotChiO]

My chapter, the Delta Theta chapter is one of the pilot chapters for Make-a-Wish and we are all so excited. We have already raised over three thousand dollars for the charity!

Just to add my 0.02 to this topic...

I think it's wonderful that the ladies of Chi Omega are supporting this organization.

A few years ago, my cousin was diagnosed with leukemia at age 11 and his biggest wish was to have his parents go on a cruise because they had spent all their time and effort taking care of him. He wanted them to finally take a vacation. So Make a Wish stepped in and flew his parents to the Carribean. Not only did they do that, but because they thought that my cousin had a good heart they sent him to SpaceCamp.

It's been a while now since he's passed away, but we can never forget about the efforts of volunteers and supporters (like you, XO!) that made his wish come true.

[Hootie]

OTW,
What a wonderful story. It's amazing to me how little kids sometimes have the biggest hearts.
I'm glad that Make-A-Wish could me there for your family.
Sisterly Love,
Hootie