StΔcks on StΔcks on StΔcks: DHOP Success

Tri Delta hosted their signature fundraising event, Delta’s House of Pancakes, on Thursday, Oct. 9 in an attempt to raise $60 million in 10 years for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital – the largest fundraising commitment in St Jude history.

At the event, someone could pay $4 for a single plate of pancakes and other breakfast foods, or $6 for an unlimited plate. The turnout was huge; the line to get into the sorority house was out the door.

“This is an important cause because St. Jude is always working to find a cure for children’s cancer,” Kenzie Finks, junior communication and public relations major and marketing minor and member of Tri Delta, said. “They do not just treat children, but anyone diagnosed with a classified children’s cancer. They never turn a child away because they are unable to pay. St. Jude is run solely on donations, and it is free to every child in need, so every contribution helps.”

The Tri Deltas were ecstatic with the turn out of their event: over 200 people attended. They hope to raise the money to be able to name an on-campus housing facility for the hospital, which they will name Tri Delta Place.

According to the Tri Delta website, “Tri Delta Place will be home to patients and families who are visiting the hospital for eight days or less. The five-story building can house 100 families and has 64 hotel-style rooms and 36 suites.”

“Tri Delta is one of St. Jude’s leading donators, so DHOP is a good way to help raise money to help support them. My favorite part was seeing the result and how much money we raised for St. Jude,” Emilee Gerk, sophomore marketing major and finance minor and member of Tri Delta, said. “Everyone was so excited to help the cause!”

This is the biggest fundraising event the Millikin Tri Delta’s host. Each member was assigned a certain role for each hour, whether it was cooking eggs in the kitchen, taking tickets at the door, or mingling with the guests.

“My favorite part about DHOP is that it is a Tri Delta tradition that brings us together as a sisterhood working towards one goal. It is a fun way to bond with our sisters while keeping the purpose of our philanthropy in mind,” Courtney Gerk, senior nursing major and member of Tri Delta, said.

“I love bringing in my residents and friends outside of Delta into the house and celebrating this amazing cause together. My favorite part is being able to work with my sisters to support the children and families of St. Jude,” Megan Denise, senior elementary education major and member of Tri Delta, said.

St. Jude is currently working on increasing the overall survival rate for childhood cancer to 90 percent over the next decade. St. Jude states that since its funding comes from individual contributors like, Tri Delta, they have freedom to focus on the most important thing, saving children regardless of financial situation. Finks said, “St. Jude is a place of comfort and support for those who need it most.”

The Deltas are proud to help out St. Jude in any possible way and provide that love and support to those who truly need it.