The Gamma Psi chapter of Delta Delta Delta, also known as Tri Delta, at Wofford College highlighted their philanthropy toward St. Jude’s Children Hospital during the week of Nov. 7-11. The organization hosted “Pie a Tri,” a percent night at Burrito Hub, “Letters to St. Jude,” “Delta House of Pancakes” and a thrift shop in the Tony White theater.
Kate McBride ‘23, philanthropy director of Tri Delta, did not have much exposure to St. Jude prior to joining the Gamma Psi chapter here at Wofford, but she always had the desire to volunteer and give back.
As a part of exercising this desire, McBride took a gap year prior to coming to Wofford where she spent time volunteering with kids in Costa Rica and South Africa.
Over the summer, she was able to travel with Noel Tufts, Vice President of community relations to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. The hospital has a section donated by Delta Delta Delta, named “Tri Delta Place.”
“After visiting St.Jude, I know even more about their mission and the work they do but additionally, I feel a much stronger personal connection to it,” McBride said. “I think sometimes with large organizations, it can be more difficult to feel connected because you may not be able to speak directly with people in the organization or you may feel like you’re not sure where the money you’re raising is going.”
According to McBride, Tri Delta Place is where patients go when they are first admitted to the hospital. In 2014, Delta Delta Delta Nationals committed to raising $60 million for St. Jude in 10 years. In 2022, they reached the goal of raising $60 million two years shy of the projected ten years. Last year, the Gamma Psi chapter alone raised nearly $30,000.
Consistent fundraising efforts by Tri Delta were said to have contributed to this monumental feat. Nationals made an effort to implement yearly fundraisers across all chapters of Tri Delta.
Every chapter of Tri Delta participates in “Sincerely Yours,” a letter-writing campaign completed by members where they explain the impact of St. Jude to friends and family. They also host an annual “Delta House of Pancakes,” a pancake breakfast fundraiser.
Wofford Tri Delta member Cabell Anderson ‘25 has experienced second-hand effects of Childhood cancer. When Anderson was in kindergarten, her friend, Ella, was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, which is a highly aggressive inoperable brain tumor at the base of the brain.
Immediately after her diagnosis, Ella’s prognosis was not good. Doctors said her life expectancy would only be a few months. However, Ella’s life was prolonged by treatment. Unfortunately, Ella passed when she was only in the 3rd grade.
Anderson participates in a run every year in memory of her friend. Tri Delta allows Anderson to serve the community and be involved in the fight to help children that have been diagnosed with cancer.
“I can still continue to help kids with cancer,” Anderson said.
The recent passing of a member of Clemson’s Beta Theta chapter of Tri Delta was an extra source of motivation in raising money for this week.
“Elizabeth (Williams) was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, RMS in 2017 and has spent the past years fighting her battle against cancer as a St. Jude patient,” reads the @clemsontridelta Instagram page. “Liz’s story is one of unimaginable strength and resilience and we are lucky to have known such a kind soul.”
Recent events on Clemson’s campus did have an impact on the Gamma Psi chapter at Wofford.
“I think it definitely brought us closer together and put life into perspective,” McBride said. “If we can do something as a chapter to show other chapters that we are there for them and that we are strong together, then we want to try to do that.”
McBride was aiming to raise $12,000 during Gold Week. Tri Delta raised a total of $17,496 during their first ever Gold Week. This showed the sisters of Tri Delta that their hard work and love for philanthropy can make any fundraising dream a reality.
