Philanthropy

The Chi Eta Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta at Western Kentucky University strives for excellence in its philanthropic endeavors. Over the course of two years, the Chapter has raised more than $55,000 through various philanthropic events. These events are—The Rivalry Ride, Fiji’s Across America, Fiji Islander Week, and pledge class philanthropic events.

 

The Rivalry Ride

Chi Eta’s annual fall philanthropic event. Brothers create a 90-mile relay from Murfreesboro, Tennessee to Bowling Green, Kentucky to raise money for the South Central Kentucky American Red Cross.  In the event’s inaugural year (2009), the brothers of the pre-Chi Eta Chapter “Delta Colony”, raised more than $4,500 through donations, corporate sponsorships and t-shirt sales. Brothers ran from Western Kentucky University, to Middle Tennessee State University: A tradition was born.

The 2^nd Annual Rivalry Ride paired the brothers of Phi Gamma Delta with brothers of Sigma Pi (MTSU) from Friday, November 19^th through Saturday, November 20^th.   If you, or a local company are interested in donating to support the South Central Kentucky American Red Cross, or would like more information on coming events, contact Jason White.

Fiji Islander Week

Chi Eta’s annual spring philanthropic event.  This week is devoted to raising money for our spring philanthropy, Big Brothers Big Sisters.  This year will be our first annual Islander Week, and on Saturday, April 9^th, we will be holding the BG Spring Luau.  The event will be located in the parking lot beside and behind Bruster’s Ice Cream on Scottsville Road, and it will begin at noon and continue on until the fun ends.  There will be children’s games, contests, food, ice cream, live m

usic, raffles, and much much more.  Admission will be free with the only cost being that of tickets to play games and enter raffles.  If you, or a local company are interested in donating to support Big Brothers Big Sisters, or would like more information on coming events, contact Jason White

In addition to putting on this week, Chi Eta has volunteered many hours to the support of Big Brothers Big Sisters here in Bowling Green, Kentucky.  Currently, we have around ten brothers who are Big Brothers or are applying to be Big Brothers in the program.  This is the part of philanthropy about which we feel the most called to devote ourselves, actually making relationships and sharing lives and love with our fellow human beings.

 

Fiji’s Across America

An idea of Alpha Class brother, Tyler Jury, turned into one of the most successful philanthropic events in WKU history.  Six WKU Fiji’s, and one University of Kentucky Farmhouse Fraternity brother rode the entire length of the United States on bicycle to raise money and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association.

The route started in Oceanside, California and finished in Yorktown, Virginia—a distance of more than 4,500 miles.  The event took 54 days to complete, and has currently raised more than $50,000.

The event, “Fiji’s Across America”, has been in the media more than 15 times from WKRN-Nashville, TN to WSLS in Roanoke, Virginia. The riders have also been featured on the front page of Western Kentucky University’s website with President Ransdell.

 

Pledge Class Events

Each semester, the newest pledge class creates philanthropic events to raise money towards a larger philanthropy. The Delta Class (Chi Eta’s fourth pledge class), raised more than $500 towards Fiji’s Across America by hosting the “Date-a-Delta” event.

Date-a-Delta served as a successful and fun way for ladies to meet some of the new pledge class members. Delta Class brothers were introduced, answered questions and showcased their talents in front of a large audience of ladies. They were then bid upon in an “auction-like” setting, for a date at a later time.

Again, if you are interested in any of our events or partnerships, please feel free to contact Jason White