by Claudia Brunson
news editor
This past week, the Millsaps’ chapter of Chi Omega Sorority, Chi Delta, hosted Make-A-Wish on campus in order to raise money for the organization that helps children with life-threatening illnesses and diseases to have a meaningful trip or experience that will bring hope and joy to them and their families.
This mission statement of Make-A-Wish—“We grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy”—speaks to how this organization dedicated itself to changing lives for the better. Courtney Thurtell, a member of Chi Omega and an active participant in Make-A-Wish, has been involved with the organization since her childhood days.
“I’ve been involved with the Make-A -Wish Foundation since I was very young,” Thurtell said. “A childhood friend of mine received a wish and I was able to tag along on part of her trip to Disney World. Ever since. I have been a huge supporter of Make-A-Wish, I was able to see first-hand the impact that a wish can have on a child’s life and saw how a wish was more than just a trip, but brought joy and happiness to a family in unimaginable circumstances.”
Make-A-Wish and Chi Omega established a philanthropy partnership in 2002. “One of our sorority’s founding principles is the importance of service to others,” Thurtell said. “…The national sorority has raised over 14 million dollars to benefit the foundation and has helped grant nearly 2,000 wishes. Through Wish Week, the Millsaps chapter of Chi Omega is able to donate money to our local Make-A-Wish chapter in order to help grant wishes.”
It is in Thurtell’s hope that anyone and everyone that donated to this organization this past week understands the importance and the magnitude of their contribution no matter how big or small. Anyone that donated to Make-A-Wish is helping a child in need, making his or her dreams come true.
The Chi Delta chapter of Chi Omega hopes to continue this event in the coming years. Anyone wishing to continue their donations to Make-A-Wish Foundation can head to its website and donate there: http://ms.wish.org/.