Serving the community and raising money for nonprofit organizations is a large aspect of Fraternity and Sorority Life at the University of West Georgia, and one sorority has shown dedication to their philanthropy this past year in a big way.
The UWG chapter of Chi Omega, Phi Kappa, recently raised $10,000 through the Make-A-Wish Foundation to send 5-year-old Brenna Smith, a Carrollton resident, on the trip of a lifetime.
Brenna has been battling a rare blood disease since she was just 2 years old, and is slowly making progress toward recovery. Brenna wanted to use her wish from Make-A-Wish Georgia to travel to Disney World with her family, and UWG’s Chi Omega helped to make that dream a reality.
For an entire week, Brenna and her family were treated as VIP guests at the theme park resort in Florida. They were provided with a meal plan, ride reservations, lodging, and every detail of their trip planned in advance.
Chi Omega’s philanthropy chair, Savannah Sanders, was a key influencer in the success of this campaign. In her position, she was responsible for organizing the different methods of raising money and the yearlong process as a whole.
“Being philanthropy chair of Chi Omega has meant the world to me,” said Sanders, a student majoring in mass communications. “It is such a humbling experience to be able to be the orchestrator of raising the funds to grant a wish.”
The chapter raised the money through a series of different methods including spirit nights at local restaurants, selling T-shirts, tabling on campus, raffles and many other fundraising events.
Chi Omega’s president, Sage Konans, was also heavily involved in the process of funding Brenna’s trip, as were all the members of Chi Omega.
“Our chapter could not have granted a wish without the determination of our philanthropy chair, Savannah,” Konans said. “It also would not have been possible without the effort of all our sisters.”
For every member of Chi Omega involved, this journey was an unforgettable one.
“It is hard to put the experience into words,” Konans reflected. “It was so fulfilling to know that I had a part in helping a child have a life-changing experience.”
