Chapter Philanthropy and Service

Our chapter works together to help support such an amazing organization as St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. St. Jude is a one-of-a-kind place, from families never receiving a bill from St.Jude for treatment,
travel, housing, or food to being one of the leading research hospitals worldwide that promises to share
their scientific discoveries. No child is denied treatment based on race, religion, or a family’s ability to pay
at St. Jude which motivates us as a sisterhood to help fight to find an end to childhood cancer.
2001 was the first year that our chapter (Phi Eta) partnered with St. Jude and started raising money; in that
year we raised $335. We are very proud to say that we have grown tremendously since then with the help
of all our present and past members. In 2023, Phi Eta surpassed $ 1 million donated to St.Jude which is an
incredible milestone for us and also an incredible victory for the children.

In the fall we host two main events which are Delta House Of Pancakes (DHOP) and Delta After Dark.
DHOP is hosted at our lodge where our members make pancakes, have toppings, buffet, and drinks, and invite
the community to enjoy while fundraising for St.Jude. Our other fall event is Delta After Dark, which is a
country concert with BBQ, smores, games, dancing, and more. All ticket and t-shirt sales from these two
events go directly to St.Jude.

In the spring we host “Sincerely Yours” our annual letter-writing campaign where each member gathers
addresses from family, friends, former teachers, fellow students, and others. We write to them mentioning
why we support St. Jude and asking for donations to aid in their fight against childhood cancer. Although
this event seems small and simple, it makes one of the most impactful fundraisers we have each year as
we receive donations and support from loved ones all over the nation. Our second fundraising event for
the spring is our annual golf tournament, which is hosted during our dad's weekend, which gives our
members time to have fun and bond with their dads while also raising money for a great cause. At the golf
tournament, we have food, golf carts for players and spectators, mulligans to buy at the beginning, and
small competitions along the course. For example this year we had the longest drive made by males and
females. After all the teams finish, we come together to tally scores and award the winning team with a
trophy or fun surprise.
In between those larger events we also participate in givebacks with the Lubbock community where we
partner with businesses where a portion of the proceeds is donated to St.Jude.

As the school year begins, I am very blessed and excited to help educate, fundraise, and promote St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital through Tri Delta. I look forward to continuing to emphasize the
importance of giving back to the community through philanthropic events while continuing to
build upon our values of sisterhood and friendship.

Delta Love,
Emilia Smajstrla (PC’20)
Director of Philanthropy