Though philanthropy is an integral part of each fraternity and sorority at Maryland, senior psychology major Leah Sangster takes her position as philanthropy chair to a whole new level. Sangster, who is the chair for Delta Delta Delta, partnered with St. Jude Children’s Hospital, has been working to fundraise for the organization for almost a year now.
In 2010, Tri Delta announced their goal of nationally raising $15 million in five years for the children’s hospital. Though the sorority is already ahead in this goal, raising money at campus events is more important than ever.
Since Sangster started her position as philanthropy chair last January, the Maryland chapter of Tri Delta has raised a little under $40,000 for the children’s hospital.
Sangster has been able to lead such incredible fundraising through two main philanthropy events: “Flapjack” in the spring and “Bids for Kids” in the fall. Students come out for all you can eat pancakes at the chapter house for Flapjack and come to the alumni center for Bids for Kids to bid on items in a silent auction.
“Greek life is expanding at our campus, so reaching out to the various chapters always turns out bigger crowds each year…utilizing social media outlets like Facebook and more recently Twitter and Instagram really help catch people’s attention,” Sangster said.
However, Sangster’s fundraising abilities aren’t all that make her special. Sangster’s connection with St. Jude runs deeper than Greek life.
Sangster currently has an internship with St. Jude’s regional office in Arlington, Va. Sangster does much of the same things as philanthropy chair that she does for her internship: “organizing fundraising events and spreading the word about St. Jude so more people can get involved.”
In fact, Sangster was even selected to visit the children’s hospital in Memphis, Tenn., which she describes as an “overwhelming experience.” Tri Delta has an extensive relationship with the hospital, endowing rooms and even funding entire floors, all of which Sangster got to see.
“Seeing all of the hard work of myself and Tri Deltas across the nation was so cool. It truly is a one of a kind place and I could tell it was a place where miracles happen,” Sangster said.
Friday, Nov. 16, was Sangster’s biggest event of the semester: Bids for Kids. Sangster organized the auction so that big name brands such as Michael Kors and Tory Burch were available for bidding, and so that all those who attended were compelled to give. A St. Jude patient’s mother spoke at the event, sharing how the children’s hospital helped her three-year-old daughter overcome cancer.
“Sisters invite parents, friends, and fellow Greeks to the auction and the whole (alumni center) is set up with caterers to make the night an experience to be remembered,” Sangster said of Bids for Kids.
This year, the event raised over $13,000 through ticket sales, winning bids, and donations.
Though Sangster has made a large impact as philanthropy chair, her connection with St. Jude will continue after her time in her position is over:
“Whether it is as a hobby or as my career, I will always be fundraising for St. Jude, I am hooked!”