Sigma Chi Charity Auction in Flyer News
Coverage of the auction via Flyer News:
Sigma Chi raises thousands of dollars for children’s hospital
Flyer News
March 20, 2011
Natalie Kimmel, Staff Writer; Ashleigh Green, Staff Photographer
On Saturday, March 12, Sigma Chi and many of its members’ parents joined forces for the fraternity’s annual parent’s weekend in order to raise thousands of dollars for the Children’s Miracle Network, according to member Chris Milkie, a finance major.
The CMN is a nonprofit organization that raises funds for children’s hospitals. Dayton Children’s is a local hospital affiliated with the organization, and all money raised locally through the CMN directly benefits it, according to the hospital’s website. Sigma Chi members dedicated most of last weekend to raising money for their philanthropy.
“Everyone in the fraternity works together to ensure a successful weekend for parents, chapter members and most importantly, the CMN,” Milkie said.
On Saturday, Sigma Chi members, their families and alumni attended several events including a silent auction, dinner and live auction at the Dayton Marriott Hotel. Items auctioned off included neon signs, vacations, golf clubs, iPods, assorted baskets and Sigma Chi paraphernalia. These goods were mainly donated from members, their families, alumni and local businesses, according to Milkie.
“The fact that our parents can support us in our philanthropic efforts is really special,” said Patrick Roy, another Sigma Chi member and accounting major. “We celebrate good health as a family and as a fraternity by donating money to local children less fortunate.”
At the event, a CMN and Dayton Children’s Hospital representative, Jill Lewis, spoke to the audience on the subject of Sigma Chi’s relationship with CMN. Additionally, 12-year-old CMN ambassador Bailey Allen was present along with her mother, Angie. Several years ago, a tumor was discovered in Bailey’s foot, and she was diagnosed with a rare cancer called congenital fibrosarcoma. Through chemotherapy and surgery, Bailey’s foot was spared, and she has since recovered. Milkie said it was important to have Bailey at the fundraiser.
“She benefited directly from the CMN and surgical care at Dayton Children’s Hospital,” he said. “Her presence alone truly made our fundraising efforts worthwhile.”
Sigma Chi’s fundraiser made approximately $13,000 in total, and between $4,000 and $5,000 will be going directly to the CMN and Dayton Children’s, according to Milkie. The CMN is Sigma Chi’s national philanthropy, and chapters throughout the nation help donate to the cause.
The University of Dayton’s Sigma Chi chapter officially chose the CMN and Dayton Children’s Hospital as its philanthropy in 1999. Since then, the chapter has raised nearly $40,000 for the local hospital. In her speech, Lewis announced that nationally, Sigma Chi has donated over $5,000,000 since declaring CMN as its philanthropy.
“CMN is not just any philanthropy,” Roy said. “It’s heartbreaking when children get sick and are forced to face hardships that shouldn’t be present at such a young age. The fact that our donations help toward improving their lives and changing their struggles into smiles is invaluable.”
