Troy University’s chapter of the Sigma Chi fraternity presented a $13,000 donation to the Children’s Hospital in Birmingham on Friday, Aug. 21.
The money was raised by the organization through various philanthropic efforts during the 2015 spring semester.
This included events such as Derby Days, concerts and competitions to involve the student population in raising awareness and funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, a national philanthropy for the fraternity.
Maxwell Herman, a junior hospitality management major from Panama City Beach, Florida, and the 2015 spring philanthropy chair for the organization, said that members gained support specifically for Children’s Hospital of Alabama by introducing their cause during fundraising opportunities.
“For many college students, there are multiple philanthropies to choose from when deciding to donate,” he said.
“We encourage everyone to take time to get to know the organization when offering support.”
Brandon Matthews, a senior political science major from Greenville and president of Sigma Chi, said members focused on reaching their goal of $10,000 and devoted all their resources to give as much toward their cause as possible.
“Ticket proceeds from these events as well as local sponsorships were major contributors for us to not only reach our goal, but also exceed it,” Matthews said.
Children’s of Alabama, a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, is “a private, nonprofit medical center that serves as the primary site of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) pediatric medicine, surgery, research and residency programs,” according to chilrensal.org.
Those who visited the hospital were given a tour of the facilities and were able to make connections with those affected by their donations.
Troy Hidle, a sophomore global business major from Dothan, said that a hospital patient’s family thanked them for their contribution and expressed gratitude for their help.
“Sometimes people don’t get to see the results of their efforts like donating to a philanthropy, but on this occasion we were able to interact with families who benefited from our support,” Hidle said.
According to Hidle, one takeaway experience of the trip was knowing the specific programs the funds will be allotted to, as explained by the hospital staff.
Patrick Rodgers, a junior business major from Dothan, said that the trip was personalized by hearing stories from beneficiaries of the financial impact.
“We experienced the appreciation of those there, and we appreciate all those who gave and supported us,” Rodgers said.
Matthews said that in the future, the group would try to initiate and “more clearly communicate the impact that our efforts have on the community and elsewhere.”
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