Chapter Philanthropy and Service

         As Tri Deltas, we work diligently and wholeheartedly to raise money for the patients and families of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. By partnering with other organizations on the University of Alabama campus, our collegiate members are able to spread awareness of pediatric cancer while hosting fundraising events, fostering community engagement, and providing crucial support for affected families. Some of our favorite St. Jude philanthropy events include: Delta House of Pancakes (DHOP), Jam for St. Jude, Crawfish for the Kids, and 15K in a Day.

The past few years, our chapter, Delta Mu, has been recognized for the following accomplishments towards our fundraising:
1. Doubling our fundraising total from 2023-2024
2. Raising over $1,000,000 over the years in fundraising
3. Top 5 Chapters in fundraising in 2023-2024 ($152,383)
4. Tri Delta named as a St. Jude’s Official Partner of Kindness (2024)

Our alumnae chapters support local and regional children’s hospitals and pediatric cancer initiatives across North America and we partner together to support St. Jude’s Walk/Run and Memphis Marathon by forming teams, raising money and volunteering at these events.

Alongside our fundraising for St. Jude, the Delta Mu chapter also works with multiple local philanthropies in the surrounding Tuscaloosa area such as:

1. The Brown House: Through a Christ-centric approach and by walking together as equals, the volunteers strive to meet emotional, spiritual, and economic needs of the West Circle community. 
2. Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter: Our members work with our local animal shelter by bringing food to our animals in need, supporting their care, and hosting a “Delta Dog Days” where our members adopt a dog for the day and take them out to get some fresh air.
3. Turning Point: Our members volunteer at this domestic violence and sexual assault center and provide trauma-informed, inclusive, and survivor-centered assistance.
4. Beat Auburn Beat Hunger: During the 7 weeks leading up to the Iron Bowl, the BABH food drive unites University of Alabama students, faculty, staff, alumni, and Tuscaloosa and Northport community members to help fight hunger and poverty in West Alabama (in competition with Auburn campus)
5. Habitat for Humanity: Our members partner with people in the community, and all over the world, to help them build or improve a place they can call home
6. The Humane Society: The Human Society and our Delta Mu volunteers provide shelter, love and health care to orphaned/unwanted cats and dogs in the West Alabama area while they await their forever homes.

 

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A LETTER FROM OUR DIRECTOR OF PHILANTHROPY

Being a Tri Delta has been one of my most rewarding and blessed experiences in college. Not only because of the sisterhood I’ve found in it, but also because of the inspiring shared passion me and my sisters share for the cause of St. Jude.

As Tri Deltas, we have the opportunity to work with St. Jude in a hands-on environment, allowing members to directly contribute to the hospital's mission through volunteer activities, patient support, and fundraising initiatives.

At one of my visits to the hospital, I was introduced to various staff members who shared stories of hope and resilience. Each room I passed was a testament to the groundbreaking work being done, filled with advanced medical equipment and compassionate caregivers. But it wasn’t until I met Mia that the true significance of our efforts truly hit home.

Mia was a vibrant 8-year-old girl with a smile that could light up the darkest room. She had been diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia, and had been receiving treatment at St. Jude for the past year. Her mom welcomed me with open arms and shared their journey. 

"When Mia was diagnosed, we were devastated,” her mother said. “But coming to St. Jude gave us hope. The doctors here are incredible, and the treatment she’s receiving is nothing short of a miracle. And it’s because of people like you, the Tri Delta sisters, that we have this chance.”

Mia, despite the tubes and monitors, was full of energy and curiosity. She showed me her favorite drawings and sang a little song she had learned. It was hard to believe that someone so full of life was fighting such a tough battle. Her courage and positivity were inspiring, a reminder of why Tri Delta had chosen to support St. Jude.

Our partnership with St. Jude gives us the unique opportunity where we can see firsthand where our fundraising efforts go, seeing the facilities, such as Tri Delta Place, and life-saving treatments that our contributions help support. The sense of community and purpose that comes from working towards a common goal has strengthened our bonds and enriched our college experience. This commitment to philanthropy and service has taught me invaluable lessons about leadership, compassion, the impact of collective effort, and a constant reminder of the greater purpose behind our work.

Zara Jadol
Director of Philanthropy (2024-2025)