Philanthropy
The LiveLikeLou Foundation & Our Fight Against ALS.
Beloved professional baseball player and sports icon, Lou Gehrig, who was a member of the Columbia University chapter of Phi Delta Theta, is one of the fraternity’s most recognizable alumni. Tragically, in the prime of his life and sports career, he was diagnosed with the disease that now bears his name: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which is a rare and thus far incurable neurodegenerative disease that impairs motor function. The LiveLikeLou Foundation, which was founded to honor Lou Gehrig and the dignity, courage, and grace with which he handled his diagnosis and treatment, is a medical research organization which was formed to research the disease and treat ALS patients, with the goal of curing the disease. Phi Delta Theta national fraternity has taken the lead in devoting resources to the foundation, and the USC California Delta chapter devotes significant time and funds to hosting and promoting philanthropic events multiple times each year to raise money for ALS research.
Events
California Delta hosts numerous fundraising events each semester for the LiveLikeLou Foundation. We work together with other USC Greek organizations in coordinating these events, to enhance awareness and obtain donations. Our annual “Phi Delt Puppies” event - in which we coordinate with local animal shelters to have dogs transported to our house to then provide students with opportunities to pet the dogs, walk them, and care for them in order to relieve stress leading up to final exams has turned out to be a campus favorite!
Activism
Our chapter plays an extremely active role in the local community, assisting families whose loved ones are impacted by ALS. This involvement may include helping with chores around the house, driving to events, and providing a supportive community for the family. We are always on the lookout for opportunities to publicize, promote, and participate in any program in the Los Angeles area which supports or educates the public about ALS. If you know of an ALS event in Los Angeles, let us know.
Iron Phi
Phi Delta Theta’s national fraternity has created and implemented a creative fundraising program for the LiveLikeLou Foundation called the “Iron Phi” program. This program gives Brothers the opportunity to become an “Iron Phi” by selecting an athletic endeavor, collaborating with their chapter members (and/or alumni) to raise $1,000, and then accomplishing the athletic endeavor. Each year we have many members of the California Delta chapter who are working towards “Iron Phi” status and thereby furthering Lou Gehrig’s legacy and impact.
It’s my role as philanthropy and community service chairman to make sure that the terms of our mission statement directing us to put service above self are implemented and that the chapter never loses sight of the importance of donating resources to worthwhile causes and giving back to the university and wider communities. The chapter considers it an honor and a privilege to continue to be creative in finding ways to team up with others to promote interest in worthy causes which improve the lives of those who are afflicted in any way or the less fortunate and those who need it and deserve it the most.
Philanthropy & Community Service Chair
Supporting Philanthropy at USC.
We generously support and participate in sorority-sponsored advocacy and fundraising events for their respective causes. Whether it’s competing against other fraternities in whiffle-ball or eating unlimited pancakes to raise money for charity, we always have a blast because we know that we are helping to make an impact!
