ChiHop, the new IHOP
Bailey Adams
Since the year 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has been making life better for children who are diagnosed with critical illnesses. Through generous donors, volunteers, and organizations, a child’s wish is granted in the United States every thirty-four minutes. Of those wishes, one will be granted with help from Missouri S&T’s Chi Omega chapter, Eta Kappa, during this semester’s Wish Week. The women of Chi Omega have been partnered with the Make-A-Wish Foundation as their national philanthropy since 2001. Regionally, the Eta Kappa chapter has been showing their support for the past twenty-five years. Their dedication to the cause has resulted in past wish sponsorships such as a trip to Legoland, a cruise, and even a vacation to Hawaii. This year Chi Omega looks forward to granting the wish of another child with big dreams.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation operates under the vision that “wishes are more than just a nice thing.” Their mission is to grant the wish of every child who is eligible. These wishes provide children with hope, courage, a strength to make it through their medical treatments. It also provides the families of these children with love and encouragement.
Granting these wishes would not be possible if not for generous donations to the cause. Many celebrities and companies choose to give back to the Make-A-Wish Foundation to help the philanthropy realize its goals. Influential stars such as John Cena, Michael Jordan, Hulk Hogan, and Justin Bieber have given to the foundation, granting over 200 wishes each. Since 2003, Macy’s department store has granted 13,000 wishes, totaling over $100 million in donations.
Nationally, Chi Omega provides consistent and dedicated involvement with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, giving over one million hours of service, $20 million in donations, and endless support and love for the wish children and their families. Chi Omega is recognized as one of Make-A-Wish’s Cause Champion Sponsors. Chi Omega’s Eta Kappa Make-A-Wish Chair, Riley Busch, explains, “Our philanthropy is important because it has been shown to be a ‘game changer’ for the kids we serve. This inspires us to grant wishes, knowing that we can touch the lives of these children and their families to help bring some more joy into their lives.”
Wish Week is just one way Chi Omega raises money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Wish Week consists of a variety events allowing Missouri S&T students and staff to get involved in the philanthropy. On Wednesday, November 7th, women from the Eta Kappa chapter are passing out hot chocolate outside the campus library to raise awareness for Make-A-Wish and to bring attention to its importance through communication with students, faculty, and staff. On Thursday, November 8th, Chi Omega hosted ring toss outside of the campus library and skee ball at Havener. Members of the sorority also gave out popcorn in Havener on Friday, November 9th.
The Wish Week events lead up to Chi Omega’s annual Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, November 11th. The Pancake Breakfast, otherwise known as “Chi-Hop”, took place from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Chi Omega house, 1607 North Pine Street in Rolla, MO. Unlimited pancakes were served at the event along with a variety of tasty toppings and syrups. The cost to attend the event was $5 in advance and $7 at the door. There were mark-ups for the event available for members of the Greek community, and other students have a cash or Venmo payment option. The Venmo username for Chi Omega’s Pancake Breakfast is @hkchiomega. One hundred percent of the proceeds from this event will go to supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Continued donations will be accepted.
Chi Omega looks forward to involving the Missouri S&T student body in an event that helps bring awareness to their national philanthropy. Support from students and staff allows Chi Omega to reach their goals and make an impact in a child’s life. Last year, the Eta Kappa chapter raised about $14,000 total for Make-A-Wish, and around $2,500 of that came from the Pancake Breakfast alone. The women hope to increase this amount during this year’s “Chi-Hop.” Hopefully, you stopped by on Sunday to eat some pancakes and help grant the wish of a child.
