HC: How did you decide that you wanted to run for Philanthropy Chair?
Rachel: I was philanthropy chair my freshman year and it was truly something that drew me to Phi Mu and greek life as a whole. I have always loved volunteering and giving back and the fact that you can do that with a sisterhood and get everyone involved for a cause is amazing to me. Philanthropy is something that I think often gets looked over in greek life and I wanted the chance to spread the word and help people know that this is something that is an amazing part of our sisterhood.
HC: What made you choose “Muau Luau” as the philanthropy theme?
Rachel: When I was thinking about what to do as a new philanthropy event I thought forever about something that wasa different than anything anyone does at our school. I wanted a fun theme that everyone would love and we would be able to play with especially since Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals is about the kids and you want them to have a good time if they come as well. As a matter of fact had just come back from a trip in Hawaii and was talking about how every year growing up I had my mom make my birthday party a hawaii luau theme because I love eveything about them. I was thinking about foods to have and how it is very common to have a pig pickin in North Carolina and going along with the tropical theme worked out perfect! We have a perfect backyard for an outdoor event and band and thought it would be fun for everyone!
HC: Who were you raising money for and how much did you raise through the event?
Rachel: We raise money prodominantly for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, more specifically, Vidants Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital. It is our national philanthopry and something that we are so lucky to have so close by to help out at. We get to show girls the real impact that we are making with the money that we raise and with all of the activities that we can do for the kids. We raised $3,400 total and that is really amazing for us as a growing chapter!
HC: What is your favorite part about raising money for your philanthropy? Was there ever a specific moment that made all that planning worth it?
Rachel: My favorite thing about being able to raise the money is that I get to see that it makes a true impact and that we can always do so much more to help! I think that it is important to remind everyone that we can be of help to so many people in our community and being able to keep them involved is one of my favorite parts. I think that one of my favorite moments as a philanthropy chair or even phi mu thus far was when I got up to drive an hour and a half away to get the BBQ at 5:30AM the day of the event and was driving back to Greenville to make it back to class. I was super stressed about everything since it was the day of and of course there was a lot going on and being worked out. I passed by the Childrens hospital on my way into town and was sitting at the light as I saw a mom and her young daughter walk out of the door of the hopsital and the whole family was standing outside so excited to see the little girl and crying and it truly was an amazing and emotional moment to see. You realize that you would want as much help as you could get as well if that was someone in your family or as your child and if we are here and have the ability to then why not?!
HC: What was the highlight of this event?
Rachel: I think that this event was great because I really wanted to aim for the whole event to be a fun enviroment. Yes it is important to make sure that everyone is professional and helpful on our end but you want be to want to be there. You want to realize all of the amazing people and things that surround you that make you lucky to be helping out rather than on the other side of the situation. Having a well planned out event as well as having a band and corn hole was something that made things work out really well for us in making that enviroment possible. Never during an even have I been able to stop and look around and say that there is nothing that I need to worry about and for once that was true.
HC: How much work actually goes behind planning an event like this?
Rachel: I am a huge planner so for me, probably a lot more than an average person haha but I started planning as soon as I got the position in November. I thought of different idea boards and events over break and was able to commit to the luau idea and get opinions and thoughts on where I should be asking to get things done. Without a doubt my committee and executive board helped me with at least 3 tasks a week to get done the 3 months prior to the event. As things began to finialize I was then able to fill in the chapter on what I needed from them with ticket sales, food and event details. I am thankful to of had such a support group of sisters to help me pull the event off and have faith in the ideas and thoughts I had for the event. While I am a planning person and it was a lot that went into my job, one of my favorite part is being able to step back and realize
HC: Who was your biggest support and helping hand during the planning process?
Rachel: Like I said in the last question, the chapter was a huge help in being able to bring in that mass amount of food and help. Most importantly in selling tickets, chapter members are vital. My committee helped out with getting together items and ideas for the event but my assistant Clarie Perry was my right hand throughout the process. She was up at all hours just like me, listening to me bringing up random ideas or things that we need to get done and ways that we can improve. Having her input and support as a friend and a helper really made things a lot more helpful for me. And like anything in life, my mom was an amazing support system for me, listening to me stress out about ideas and ordeals that would occur in the process. She has a great eye for event planning and is a great host so she gave me a lot of ideas, like not forgetting that decorating is key, that really helped me. When I wanted to light the yard with lights and was terrified about not having enough, I got a giant box of all of our house Christmas lights in the mail the next day. This job has truly taught me to be extremely thankful for who and what you have in life. Even the smallest amount of help or support can help someone out a great deal and that is important to remember.