CHI OMEGA X MAKE-A-WISH®
The Iota Alpha chapter at SMU is proud to support Chi Omega’s national philanthropy, The Make-A-Wish Foundation. Since this alliance was established in 2002, Chi Omega has raised over 37 million dollars since then to help grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.
As a chapter, we host our annual Bid for Wishes event during our spring Parents’ Weekend, along with Wish Dinners, and Wish Send Offs throughout the year. Through our fundraising efforts, we help our local chapter of Make-A-Wish® North Texas grant the wishes of many children each year.
We are so fortunate to work closely with the North Texas office by volunteering, becoming Wish Granters, and spending time with wish kids and their families. Upon pledging Chi Omega, our new members even have the opportunity to tour the Make-A-Wish® North Texas office and witness firsthand how our efforts make an impact.
A wish experience is a dream come true, offering hope and courage during such a critical time for these children. We couldn’t be more honored to support such an incredible organization!
BID FOR WISHES
Every spring during Chi Omega Parents’ Weekend, the Iota Alpha chapter hosts a silent and live auction event benefiting Make-A-Wish North Texas. The event begins with a social hour reception, where sisters and their parents can mingle and get to know one another, followed by a silent and live auction and dinner.
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Planned by the philanthropy chairs, this event features multiple speakers who share insights about Make-A-Wish, bringing guests together to raise money for an amazing organization. SMU Chi Omega is fortunate enough to have a strong relationship with Make-A-Wish North Texas, allowing this event to extend its reach into the Dallas community and welcome many wish kids to join in this special celebration.
Last year, the Iota Alpha chapter raised over $385,000– its highest amount to date. As a result, we were honored in November as the nation’s top fundraising chapter by Make-A-Wish North Texas executives. We are looking forward to welcoming our Chi Omega families again this year!
Make-A-Wish North Texas Tour
At the start of their onboarding period, our New Members have the opportunity to visit Make-A-Wish North Texas headquarters, located just 20 minutes from SMU’s campus.
During this visit, they hear directly from Make-A-Wish representatives and executives about the organization’s mission and operations. They also gain insight into the wish-granting process, from the initial imagination stage to the fulfillment of a child’s wish. Wish granting is a truly meaningful experience that SMU Chi Omega has had the privilege of being a part of on multiple occasions.
Last year, our newest pledge class had the honor of decorating and hosting a wish-send-off event for four Wish Kids. This experience left a lasting impression and truly highlighted the special bond our chapter shares with MAWNT.