Alpha Delta Pi Sorority to Host Annual Charity 5K

March 2 2017- The Susquehanna University

chapter of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority will host its annual

5K on Susquehannas campus March 25th. The 5K is one

of the most successful events that the sisters of Alpha

Delta Pi hosts in representation and support of the

Ronald McDonald House Charities, as well as the Ronald

McDonald House in Danville. With last years 5K bringing in over $4,000, the

women are ready to set the bar even higher this year.

The Ronald McDonald House in Danville was established in 1988 in

conjunction with Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. The Ronald McDonald

House hosts families of those with children or other young family members

who are currently enduring long-term hospital trips for treatments like

chemotherapy. The families are provided with a very hospitable and homey

atmosphere with all the amenities they may need during their stay. Ronald

McDonald House of Danvilles Executive Director Michael Turlis says, We

truly want to be a home away from home for these families. It feels much

less institutional and scary for them if they dont have to spend their hospital

time in a lobby or waiting room. The house features fully furnished

bedrooms and living spaces, a stocked kitchen, an indoor playroom for

children as well as an elaborate playground outside the home.

The Ronald McDonald House Charities are the sole philanthropy of all

Alpha Delta Pi chapters internationally. However, not all Alpha Delta Pi

chapters are located as close to a Ronald McDonald House location, We are

only about a 20-minute drive from RMH, which is truly something we

shouldnt take for granted. said Alpha Delta Pi president Heather Mentch.

On Susquehannas campus, the 64 members of Alpha Delta Pi dedicate

themselves year-round to fundraising and supporting this philanthropy. The

members visit the Ronald McDonald House in Danville an average of two

times a week to plan, prepare, and serve meals for families staying in the

house. Philanthropy Coordination Chair Emma Kruhm detailed, We dont just

stick to your typical pasta or tacos, we all love being able to go visit the

families and give them a chance for a truly good home cooked meal. In

addition to the planning, preparation, and serving of meals, the sisters are

able to spend time with families and full-time staff through attending events.

In October, a few sisters were able to attend an awards ceremony for major

contributors to the Ronald McDonald House in Danville. It was so cool to

hear firsthand stories of how RMH has affected many of the people who work

there full time. These people dedicate their entire lives to helping these

families, which is really special. said sister Annie Wise.

During the entire year, the sisters work to fundraise for the Ronald

McDonald House. One of their most popular methods of fundraising is

through pop tab collection. The pop tabs are saved by sisters and brought to

the Danville house location. When the tabs are eventually melted down or

recycled, the Ronald McDonald House Charities will receive the monetary

exchange as direct donations. In the past, Alpha Delta Pi has hosted Pop Tab
Wars on campus, in which any organization will try and collect the most pop

tabs in order to win a prize. If you ever see a girl frantically running around

the Hawks Nest collecting tabs, youll know shes an ADPi. student and

fellow Greek life member Alex Cocolas said, jokingly.

While the 5K is the spring semesters biggest fundraiser, Beauty and

the Greek is the falls biggest turnout. Beauty and the Greek is an all-

inclusive Panhellenic and Inter-Fraternal event that all proceeds turn back to

Ronald McDonald House Charities. Beauty and the Greek is a pageant in

which each sorority and fraternity are represented by one member. The

members are then paired up with one sorority member to one fraternity

member, and the pair create elaborate dances, skits, and question and

answers. While the pageant is meant to be entertaining, it brings to light the

idea of Susquehanna Greek life as a community whilst simultaneously

supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities. This event will bring in an

average of $1,000 annually.

This years 5K will be hosted on March 25th, 2017 at 11 AM. The entire

run will take place on campus, with a barbecue and celebration to follow. This

event will bring in representation from everywhere on campus, from Greek

life to sports teams and even alumnae. We are really hoping to make a

record turn out this year. Weve already had alums reaching out to us for

questions on when they can register. It is so exciting to be able to do

something everyone is excited about. said Philanthropy Coordinator and

Chair Emma Kruhm. Registration can be found in Degenstein Center or

through any Alpha Delta Pi sister. Registration will be $5 beforehand or $10

the day of.