On Saturday, Sept. 19, the Alpha Omicron chapter of Phi Mu at Southern Miss had its seventh annual Bonnamu, a philanthropy event to raise money for their charity Children’s Miracle Network and Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children in Jackson.

Phi Mu raised $37,500 overall, which exceeded their goal of $35,000. It is the most money the sorority has ever raised from a single philanthropy event.

Bonnamu, the music festival- themed event, was on Saturday afternoon at Centennial Lawn and featured live music from local band Haley Line and the Squares, games like Pie-a-Phi-Mu and a step show competition.

“It may have been hot, but I was so impressed by Bonnamu’s success as well as how all of Greek Life came together to support Phi Mu and Children’s Miracle Network,

said senior elementary education major Cassey Toney.

Bonnamu also featured some special guests who have experienced firsthand the benefits of Phi Mu’s involvement with their charity.

“My favorite part of Bonnamu was having a few of the patients from Blair E. Batson come out and enjoy the beautiful day,” said junior psychology major Emily Hope. “I believe their favorite part was the step show.”

In the days leading up to Bonnamu, Phi Mu also organized a Band-Aid drive, two profit shares and a social media photo competition called the Miracle Band Challenge, which challenged participating team members to post photos on Instagram of themselves wearing Children’s Miracle Network hospital bands and practicing healthy habits.

Melody Hill, a junior social work major, serves as Phi Mu’s philanthropy chair and is dedicated to Blair E. Batson hospital and Children’s Miracle Network because they have impacted her on a personal level.

“The most rewarding thing about being philanthropy chair is getting to show my love for Children’s Miracle Network and the kids at Blair E. Batson, both of which have meant so much to me and my family, especially when two of my younger cousins were treated there,” Hill said. “One was diagnosed at the age of two with leukemia, and the other was diagnosed with being epileptic at the age of four. Both are doing great now and have fun, active lives. I could never repay CMN enough for everything they have done for my family.”

To learn more about Bonnamu and Phi Mu’s relationship with Children’s Miracle Network and Blair E. Batson, visit Phi Mu’s Facebook page.