Chi Omega started an alliance with Make-A-Wish in 2002. In the last 13 years, the women’s fraternity has raised more than $12.9 million and has volunteered over half a million hours for Make-A-Wish. Union University’s Chi Omega Upsilon chapter is contributing to the cause this weekend by hosting a Donut Run 5K Saturday, Nov. 7.
Zoe Sudbury, senior exercise science major and community service chair of Chi Omega Upsilon, has experienced the joy of being part of Make-A-Wish, a philanthropy that gives life to the dreams of sick children.
As community service chair, Sudbury spends lots of time organizing fundraisers and events for the Make-A-Wish foundation. She is always encouraged and filled with joy after each fundraiser she organizes because she realizes the hard work pays off when a wish is granted, she said.
“My favorite Make-A-Wish memory would have to be granting Matthew’s wish last winter,” Sudbury said. “Matthew’s dream was like many we have granted before—going to Disney World. But his wish of Disney was not is only wish. Matthew also wished to meet the President of the United States. Even though we were not able to grant that wish, we were able to present him with a local president. Chi Omega surprised Mathew with a visit from Dr. Dub who granted him a wish of being president of Union for a day.”
Sudbury’s wish for the Jackson community is for everyone to attend the race and support the Make-A-Wish Foundation. When people participate in fundraisers or donate to the cause, they are helping to brighten the lives of children.
“I would love to see the campus get involved with the Donut 5K by registering to either run the 5K or walk the one mile,” Sudbury said. “All proceeds from the 5K go directly to Make-A-Wish Mid-South, which will hopefully help us grant a wish this year. If Chi Omega has the opportunity to grant a wish, we always want the campus to be involved by attending the wish-granting party.”
Registration for the race begins Saturday at 8 a.m. at the Miller Tower, and the race starts at 9 a.m. Race participants have the option to complete the Donut Run 5K challenge which consists of running 1.5 miles, eating two donuts, then finishing the race, or they can enjoy a donut after completing the race.
Early registration prices are $5 for college students and $10 for other participants. On the day of registration, prices rise to $10 for college students and $20 for participants.
T-Shirts will soon be available for purchase online for $15 and for $20 on the day of the race.
The event is sponsored by First Bank, First South Bank, Hub City Bikes, Road ID and Checkers Hair&Nail Salon. The donuts will be provided by Do-Dah’s Donuts of Jackson.
Click here to register for the 5K Donut Run.
For more information about Chi-Omega Upsilon’s work with Make-A-Wish, click here.
