Phi Theta Phi collections begin in anticipation of annual Walk-a-thon for Children’s Hospital

Posted November 27, 2023 Print

GREENVILLE, Pa.-- Members of the Phi Theta Phi fraternity at Thiel College began collecting local donations Monday as the organization prepares for the organization’s 55th annual Walk-a-thon to Pittsburgh to raise funds for Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

Phi Theta Phi members will continue collecting in Sharon (Tuesday, Nov. 28); Mercer (Wednesday, Nov. 29) and Greenville (Thursday, Nov. 30) before departing for Pittsburgh in the morning on Dec. 1.

Make an online donation.

Collecting will take place from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Members of Phi Theta Phi were at Light Up Night in Pittsburgh on Nov. 18. The fraternity has collected $4,000 so far.

Prior to departing on Dec. 1, a kickoff breakfast will be hosted on campus. Students, friends and alumni will depart from campus at 10 a.m. and arrive at Trinity Lutheran Church in Freeport, Pa. on Friday evening.

At 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, the group departs Freeport and make its way to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh in Lawrenceville with expected arrival at the hospital at 8 p.m.

Phi Theta Phi has raised more than $1.9 million since the first walk in 1968. Phi Theta Phi began at Thiel College as a local fraternity in 1966. Two years later, the fraternity started a tradition that has become one of the most successful Greek philanthropy efforts in the College’s history. The first Walk-a-thon was in 1968 and raised $1,100. In 2014, Phi Theta Phi was recognized as one of the Top 10 donors to the Fund. The Pennsylvania House of Representatives and the Pennsylvania Senate have cited the chapter for its service, and in 2002, the Association of Fundraising Professionals acknowledged them as an outstanding philanthropic organization. In 2015, the fraternity was recognized for the walk-a-thon with a Service to Thiel Award. They were also recognized by the Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital in 2019 for their contributions. As part of the walk, the fraternity annually appears on Pittsburgh CBS affiliate KDKA to present their donation.

The organization has a goal of $30,000 Walk Chairman Logan Ross ’25 said. If the organization reaches that goal, a member has agreed to shave his head.

“We are off to a great start,” Ross said. “Any donation is appreciated.”