Philanthropy

From the time of our founding, Alpha Delta Pi has believed in the importance of giving back to our community. A dedication to philanthropy guides our members to spend time in the service of those who need it most. Our international organization’s commitment to Ronald McDonald House Charities has led to the donation of over $15,000,000 over the course of our partnership. More than 350 Ronald McDonald Houses in 64 countries help keep families with seriously ill or injured children together when they need it most by offering them a comfortable, temporary residence in proximity to a medical facility.

ALPHA DELTA PI LOVES THE RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE

From the time of our founding in 1851, Alpha Delta Pi has believed in the importance of service and giving back. For the Alpha Delta Pi chapter at Tennessee, one of the most special ways to do that is providing a variety of support for the Knoxville Ronald McDonald House.

If you aren’t familiar with this charitable organization, The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) is a “home-away-from-home” for families whose children are very sick and receiving treatment in nearby hospitals. There are over 350 houses all over the world, and since the first RMH opened its doors, more than 39,000 people have found a home when they needed it most. The RMH provides a comfortable, supportive, temporary residence near the medical facility where family members can sleep, eat, relax, and find support from other families in similar situations. The Ronald McDonald House in Knoxville, TN opened on March 8, 1985, just steps away from UT’s campus. We are so grateful for the opportunity to work hands-on with RMH Knoxville and be connected with such an incredible organization.

Throughout the year, the sisters of Alpha Delta Pi fundraise and host multiple philanthropy events to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House Charities. This past year, we raised almost $20,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Some of these events include Hoops for the House, ADPiHop, and Walk for Ronald. We also host multiple percentage nights at nearby restaurants per semester to raise funds for RMH. Having the Ronald McDonald House of Knoxville located so close to UT’s campus allows our sisters a wonderful opportunity to truly get involved in this important part of our community.

It is so evident that the women in our chapter want to make a difference through their dedication in fundraising and service. Alpha Kappa sisters volunteer at RMH Knoxville multiple times a month. From cleaning to cooking, or decorating for an upcoming season or holiday, we love to help in any way we can. Because of our support over the years, our local Ronald McDonald House has been able to continue to love and support families and patients.

We not only serve our philanthropy but also stay involved campus-wide by contributing to other sororities’ and fraternities’ philanthropies at the University of Tennessee. These include pancake breakfasts, tailgates, week-long competitions, and much more. #KeepingFamiliesClose

To learn more or donate, visit www.rmhc.org.

A LETTER FROM OUR DIRECTOR OF PHILANTHROPY

Hi!!! My name is Maddie Borrelli, and I am a sophomore from Knoxville! I could not be more excited to have the opportunity to serve as the Director of Philanthropy this year for Alpha Delta Pi at the University of Tennessee. ADPi has continued to meet me where I’m at by making me feel appreciated, known and supported.

 While I’ve only been at the University of Tennessee for a year, I have found some of my best friends in ADPi — they inspire me and share the same passions and goals. Over the last year, I have learned how age has no boundary when making a difference. I have been so humbled by the goodness and kindness from ADPi, the University of Tennessee, and the organizations on campus.

 Even though COVID-19 made large gatherings and events challenging, ADPi continued to find ways to love and value our national philanthropy, the Ronald McDonald House. We are really lucky, because the Ronald McDonald House of Knoxville is less than a mile from campus and holds a special place in our hearts as a chapter. We raised almost $10,000 during the Fall semester of 2020 and another $9,000 during Spring semester 2021 for this amazing non-profit organization that serves families when their children are in the hospital.

My goals for the 2021-2022 school year are to get the chapter even more involved with hands-on volunteering at the Knoxville Ronald McDonald House, as well as gathering an understanding how the smallest gift and act of service can change someone’s life forever. I am encouraged and excited for the impact Alpha Delta Pi can have on the Ronald McDonald House. As we look forward to a semester of fun events, percentage nights, and hands-on work, I am inspired by how my sisters and this chapter are passionate about what they believe in.

I am so proud of our chapter for seeking opportunities to help enact change in the Knoxville community. In Alpha Delta Pi, we look forward to the opportunity to serve and show love to whoever we meet. Service is so special to Alpha Delta Pi and is something that we do not take for granted. I am so thankful for this past year and how ADPi has cheered me on and pushed me to be the best leader I can be!

XOXO,

Maddie Borelli

@maddie_borelli

Director of Philanthropy