When it came time to suggest whom to interview next for Campus Celebrity, the first person that popped into my mind was my good friend Annie Wilkins. Annie is a second year at the University of Virginia from Virginia Beach, VA, and is not only extremely charitable and involved with volunteer work but is also down-to-earth and genuine. Everyone…meet Annie!
Mimi Montgomery:Hi, Annie! As the philanthropy chair of Tridelta, can you tell us a little about their affiliation with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN?
Annie Wilkins:Tridelta began their affiliation with St Jude in 1999. In 2005 we raised a million dollars to put a (parent-free) teen room on the ground floor of the hospital, then in 2006 we decided we were ready for more and took a pledge to raise 10 million in 10 years in order to name the Patient Care Floor in the Chili’s Care Center. That might seem like a lot but we actually ended up raising the money in four years! Pretty incredible. Now we are working on a new fundraising campaign “15 in 5″—clearly we are trying to raise 15 million in five years. Actually going there and seeing the impact that Tridelta has made on the hospital was really incredible and motivating. It’s nice to know that we really are making a difference and it shows because the hospital is covered with the Tridelta name—Deltas everywhere—and pictures of sisters with the kids
M.M.: I know you visited St. Jude last summer—how was your experience there? Are you returning again this summer and if so what do you hope to accomplish?
A.W.:My trip to St. Jude/the Tridelta Leadership Conference this summer was absolutely incredible. Not only did I meet a member of Tridelt that was previously abroad and has since become one of my best friends but we also got to experience probably the most magical place on earth together. I think it’s even more magical than Disneyland. Along with listening to speakers and doing awkward activities that you do at conferences like that, we got to tour the hospital and listen to the stories of numerous patients and their families. The most incredible thing that I learned there was that attitude is everything. Walking into St. Jude you think you would want to just cry, especially after seeing the sappy commercials, but it is a place filled with such joy. The kids we heard speak were so optimistic and just thankful for what they have, especially for St. Jude. One of them actually expressed how they didn’t really want to go home—they’d rather stay and meet all of the famous people. I could go on all day about that place; if anybody wants to know more I’d be happy to talk about it whenever! I should probably give someone else the chance to go this summer…but I definitely don’t want to!
M.M.:What are some ways U.Va. students can contribute to Tridelt’s support of St. Jude?
A.W.:U.Va. students can help by attending any of our philanthropy events!! We have Delta Dodgeball every year as well as a trunk show in the spring (coming up April 14th!!) and I believe we will be adding something new next fall so be on the lookout. Also look out for any Up Till Dawn (St. Jude campus club) events and show them some love.
M.M.:You also incorporated a prom dress drive into student volunteering here at U.Va.—tell us about that.
A.W.:I got the idea to do a prom dress drive because a friend and I used to plan one at home and I found it to be a really rewarding experience for two reasons: one because you’re helping underprivileged girls and two because I love prom. I’m on the Community Affairs committee in Student Council so I figured it’d be a great way to bring the U.Va. community and the Charlottesville community together! The dresses will be donated to Cinderella’s Closet that is an event that has been held at Monticello High School for the past few years. They were really excited to have more donations from a younger, more stylish demographic than the group of Cville high school parents and we were really excited to help!
M.M.:How can people help donate dresses?
A.W.:The drive actually ends this Thursday but hopefully we will be doing it next year as well and I’ll try to get the word out to Her Campus again so that all the loyal followers will be informed.
M.M.:Do you have any last words for our readers about the experiences you’ve had through your volunteer work?
A.W.:Something I’ve learned from St. Jude and my volunteer work prior to college at St. Mary’s Home for Disabled Children in Virginia Beach is to see the joy in life, not the pain. Some of the kids at St. Jude are young and don’t really understand what is happening to them but most know exactly what is going on. However, in the face of that they have such courage and a type of joy that radiates from them that is lacking from most people’s lives. It’s taught me to try, even though it’s hard sometimes and especially difficult in college, to forget about the trivial things and focus on what’s real and what’s actually important.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UVA chapter.