At Millikin University, with fall comes pancakes. On Sunday, Oct.6, 2019, students, professors, and Decatur residents gathered on the lawn of Delta Delta Delta sorority house for Pancake! At the Disco. 

This event is also referred to as DHOP, or Delta House of Pancakes. Pancake! At the Disco was this year’s theme for Tri-Delta’s annual pancake breakfast fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  

Naomi Klingbeil, the philanthropy chair of Millikin’s Tri-Delta chapter, said that many Tri-Delta sororities put on DHOP philanthropy events across the country.  

Attendees enjoyed unlimited pancakes, eggs, and sausage while listening to music and talking with others. The food was made and served by members of Millikin Tri-Delta. Members also took tickets and cleaned up after the event.

Pancake! At the Disco was open to all Millikin students as well as the entire Decatur community. Tickets were sold prior to the event as well as at the door. The theme is a play on Panic! At the Disco, a popular band.  Tickets for the event resembled concert tickets, and some music by the band was played at the event. 

“We’re really trying to reach the community this year,” Klingbeil said.

Val Chavez, an active member of Millikin Tri-Delta, said her favorite part of the event was “seeing everyone in the Millikin/Decatur community come together and stuff their faces for the best possible cause.” 

This event benefited St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  St. Jude is a children’s hospital and research facility located in Memphis, Tennessee. It focuses on kids with catastrophic diseases, such as leukemia and other cancers.

St. Jude is different from other hospitals because there is no cost to the patient or their family. St. Jude is 100% free, and this includes food, amenities, and housing for families while their child is getting treatment. 

Because St. Jude is entirely free, they rely solely on donations and fundraisers. Fundraisers like Pancake! At the Disco allow St. Jude to keep its doors open.

Michaela Pierson is a 22-year-old cancer survivor who was treated at St. Jude when she was in first grade. Pierson has been cancer free for 14 years because of St. Jude. She spoke Sunday morning about her experience and how fundraisers like this are what keep St. Jude running.

“I am so grateful to the hospital that has given me a second chance at life, and I feel so humbled to be in a position where I can advocate and give back,” Pierson said. “St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is such a beautiful place filled with so much hope, despite what the children and families may be going through.” 

St. Jude is one of Tri-Delta’s two philanthropies. The sorority puts on many events to raise money for St. Jude throughout the school year. 

“This year, the sorority women are celebrating their 20th year of being partners with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,” Klingbeil said. “Over the course of this 20-year partnership, they have been able to fund a Teen Room, a Patient Care Floor, and a Specialty Clinic.”

Klingbeil explained that the Tri-Delta Organization is currently committed to raising 60 million dollars in ten years for St. Jude. All of the proceeds made at the event go straight towards this goal. 

Last year, the pancake breakfast raised over $2,000. This year, the breakfast was expected to raise even more.

Did you miss Pancake! At the Disco? Keep an eye out for other Greek philanthropy events coming up this fall. Alpha Chi’s and Pies will happen on Oct. 15th, and Pi Phi Phall Phest is planned for Oct. 26th.