Phi Theta Phi extending annual 100-mile fundraising walk

Posted December 2, 2015Communications and Marketing Department

GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College’s Phi Theta Phi fraternity is an organization that goes the extra mile. The Phis have earned regional acclaim for their annual fundraising Walk-a-thon for the Free Care Fund at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. The Free Care Fund ensures that all children receive the medical care they need and that no child from the tri-state area is denied care because of an inability to pay. This year, the fraternity is going an extra 25 miles for their annual 100-mile walk, which starts Friday and ends Saturday at Children’s Hospital.

Phi Theta Phi is marking the 125th anniversary of Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh by adding the extra distance to the event. Over the course of the event’s 46-year history, Phi Theta Phi has raised more than $1.5 million for the Free Care Fund. This year’s goal is $30,000.

“With the efforts of active members and alumni, we can provide families assurance that their child will get the best health care in the nation without worrying about the financial stress,” Walk Chairman Daniel McFetridge ’16 said.

The fraternity brothers leave Greenville at 10 a.m. on Friday, walk through Mercer, Grove City, Slippery Rock and Butler, then end the day in Freeport at Trinity Lutheran Church. On the second day, they will walk through Natrona Heights, Breckenridge, New Kensington, Arnold, Springdale, Cheswick, Harmar Township, Oakmont, Lawrenceville and finally Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh.

Pre-walk collections started Monday, Nov. 30 and are being held in the communities surrounding Greenville. The Phis will collect cash donations throughout the walk, but checks (made payable to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation) can be mailed to Phi Theta Phi Alumni Association, PO Box 365, Greenville, PA 16125.

About the Phi Theta Phi Walk-a-thon

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. This year, 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.


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.



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