Alpha Love and FTK!

This weekend, the University of Maryland hosted a successful 4^th year of Terp Thon- a Dance Marathon program that raises money for cancer research and the Children’s Miracle Network, and prompts thousands of students to stand “for the kids;”  for those who cannot stand for themselves.  At the beginning of the semester, Pi Delta paired up with IFC fraternity Alpha Tau Omega to form a fundraising team and, by the day of the event on March 10th, had raised over $12,000!

Members of AOII sporting their "Team Yellow" shirts.

We also had several active members involved in the formation of Terp Thon from our very own chapter.  Senior Amy Young served on the executive board for the organization as the Morale Chair, and was up on stage in front of thousands teaching the signature “morale dance” that was performed at the end of the 12 hours.  She was one of the top overall fundraisers, and spoke at almost every chapter meeting about Terp Thon’s progress and why we should all be involved.  Every sister admires her dedication and enthusiasm for such a great cause and is beyond proud of the work she has done!  Not to mention, she made the cover of the UMD newspaper The Diamondback, the front of The Diamondback Online, and made an appearance on the popular website Total Frat Move.  In addition, new member and sophomore Amy Vaccaro shares a similar passion for Terp Thon, serving as captain on its advertising team and heading their video execution, as well as raising over $1,000!  And senior Brittanie Hawkes was the 3^rd highest overall fundraiser, contributing over $1,700!

Amy Vaccaro (left) and Amy Young (right)

“It’s unbelievable how far this organization has come in 4 years and I am so proud to call myself a part of it,” Brittanie said, via Facebook.  Her tireless efforts persisted until the very end; out of every participant, she raised the most money over the duration of last hour.    

In addition to non-stop music and dancing, Terp Thon also had entertainment from the UMD dance team UnBound, which feshman new member Tori Janus is a part of.  Sisters cheered proudly as she and the team performed a contemporary dance number.  And between songs and live performances, 20 "Miracle Children" joined us to share their stories, laughter and tears.  They served as reminders of why we were there and who we were standing for.  

Terp Thon raised over $306,000 and touched countless lives this year.  The sisters who participated agree that it was one of the most rewarding and enjoyable experiences they have had the chance to be a part of.  

Being a part of a sorority gives you the chance to develop a passion not only for your own chapter’s philanthropy, but for charity in general and for the desire to devote yourself to bettering the lives of others.  We are lucky to have organizations like Terp Thon here at UMD that give us the opportunities to really change the way we look at our own lives and to make a difference.  And we are blessed to have such dedicated sisters as role models and as encouragement to push ourselves to do more.