Alpha Delta Pi (ADPi) sorority at The University of Southern Mississippi recently hosted its “Roses for RMHC” fundraiser, selling roses to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) and the Alpha Delta Pi Foundation.
From Feb. 6 to Feb. 12, members of ADPi sold roses in the Thad Cochran Center to support RMHC and their sorority's foundation. Single roses were sold for $3, while a dozen was priced at $34. Purchased roses will be wrapped, tied, and ready for pick-up at the ADPi house on Valentine’s Day, with the option to include a personalized note.
The Ronald McDonald House Charities provides essential support for families with sick or injured children, helping them stay close to their child during medical emergencies. Funds from this event will benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Jackson, Mississippi.
Julia Catchings, the director of philanthropy for ADPi, played a key role in organizing the event.
“I am like a connecting point for the chapter and the Ronald McDonald House Charities,” Catchings said. “I even set up our opportunities to go to the RMHC house in Jackson, Mississippi, to volunteer.”
Catchings emphasized how the sorority’s volunteer work helps ease the burden on families during difficult times.
“Us going up there and helping them out helps alleviate time they have to spend away from their child,” Catchings said. “So, they don’t have to worry about cleaning and so forth because we can do that for them.”
In addition to financial support, ADPi members personally volunteer at RMHC houses by cleaning, cooking, and bringing donations.
“It gives us a personal reason to help to support because we get to personally see these families,” Catchings said. “I understand personally what it’s like to not be around your family while you’re going to the hospital, so being able to know that these families are getting to spend one-on-one time with their child that’s in the hospital… is really meaningful.”
A small portion of the proceeds will also go to the Alpha Delta Pi Foundation, which provides scholarships and other forms of support to chapter members nationwide. The majority of the funds will benefit the RMHC in Jackson.
“So, just really being able to alleviate all stressors for these families and knowing that we’re providing for something, and we get to see this firsthand,” Catchings said.
