Chi Omega sorority at Union University is currently holding their “Wish Week” through a series of events and fundraisers to raise money for the sorority’s official philanthropy, the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
The purpose of the foundation is to grant wishes to children with critical illnesses, which includes anything from helping the child meet their favorite celebrity, going on a vacation or receiving a gift they’ve always wanted. Chi Omega raises money for these wishes and hosts “wish-granting parties” where the entire chapter gathers together with the child and their family to celebrate their wish being granted.
The chapter began the week on Monday, March 28 with their Make-A-Waffle event, when members of Chi Omega cooked and sold waffles to students all morning in the Bowld. On Tuesday, they had a “percentage night” at Tulum Fresh Mexican Grill. 10% of the restaurant’s profits were donated to Make-A-Wish.
The chapter is now midway through their Wish Week, which is their biggest opportunity for fundraising all year. On Friday, April 1, they will hold a social media fundraiser, prompting friends and followers to donate anywhere from $1 to $20 to get their pictures posted on a social media graphic. On Saturday, April 2, they will host Swishes for Wishes, a 3v3 basketball tournament. Students have been signing up with teams for the past week and will play in brackets to the championship from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at West Jackson Baptist Church.
The chapter has a table set up in the Barefoot Student Union building to sell Make-A-Wish pins, sign people up for the basketball tournament and accept donations all week.
“We have the opportunity to celebrate them, and give them a space to feel loved, and give their families a chance to relax for a few hours and just enjoy getting to watch their kid be,” Chi Omega philanthropy chair Carleigh Smith said. “It really is a unique opportunity, that we get to do more than just fundraise for them-—we get to actually meet the families one-on-one and interact with the kid and play a small role in their journey through their illness.”
The chapter has already hosted one wish-granting party this semester and is eager to raise money to continue hosting more in the future.
“As a freshman, I didn’t really know how much we would work with Make-A-Wish,” Julia Farmer, a Chi Omega member, said. “But seeing that we do things so often for and/or with Make-A-Wish was a pleasant surprise. I look forward to seeing how much more I get to learn about this philanthropy and seeing so many wishes granted.”
Chi Omega originally planned to have their “Wish-Wash,” a car wash fundraiser, on Thursday, March 31; however, it has been canceled due to weather. They plan to reschedule the car wash for next week.
Photo by Chi Omega
