GREENVILLE, Pa.—Members of the Phi Theta Phi fraternity at Thiel College will appear on Pittsburgh CBS affiliate KDKA at 4:30 pm Thursday, Dec 14 to present their check for the $32,088 that was raised during this year’s Walk-a-thon.
The members of Phi Theta Phi began collecting in-person donations during Pittsburgh’s light-up night events on Nov. 18. Local collections began Nov. 27 for the organization’s 55th annual Walk-a-thon to Pittsburgh that raises funds for Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
The fraternity left Greenville on Dec. 1 and arrived in Freeport, Pa. that evening. On Dec. 2, the group departed Freeport and made its way to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh in Lawrenceville.
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.
The Phi Theta Phi donation caps a calendar year where Thiel College Greek organizations raised more than $50,000 for local, regional and national charities. Most recently the Kappa Sigma fraternity was given a certificate of appreciation by the Reynolds VFW for raising more than $3,600 during its recent See-Saw-A-Thon. Also, Thiel College served as a Toys for Tots collection site and several campus organizations also held Christmas and holiday fundraisers.
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.