Chi Omega Helps Make Wishes Come True

By Broadside News Editor Asma Chaudhary

Chi Omega, a sorority chapter that began at George Mason University in 1967, hopes to continue the tradition of community service after 31 years.

Recently, the sorority organization teamed up with the Make-A-Wish Foundation which grants wishes to children patients like those suffering from life-threatening ailments such as cancer.

With 93 members in the sorority, Chi Omega placed an emphasis on volunteerism and hosted numerous events last week for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

During the week, Chi Omega asked other organizations and individuals to donate $1 for the cause. In doing so, the organization’s name would be featured on Make-A-Wish star cutouts. A kiosk was set up during the week in the Johnson Center to promote awareness.

A talent show to raise money, which was scheduled to take place in Enterprise room 80, was canceled due to the icy weather.

Two fraternities that made significant donations were Chi Psi and Phi Sigma Kappa.

“We are trying to not only get Greeks involved but also other organizations and sports teams like basketball, tennis and crew because there is not another competition event besides Greek Week,” Chi Omega member Cada Paulson said.

This collaboration with Make-A-Wish Foundation has benefited the community.

“In 2002, Chi Omega announced the Chi Omega and Make-A-Wish alliance. In the first four years of service with Make-A-Wish, Chi Omega has raised over $2 million and given over 100,000 volunteer hours,” said Meredith Forbes, a sophomore who is majoring in integrative studies in elementary education.

Other events scheduled to occur during the week included a wing eating contest at Hard Times Café in Fairfax, Va.; a benefit night at Noodles and Company in Fairfax, Va.; and a talent show as well as a raffle to give away a signed Gilbert Arenas jersey.

However, due to the recent weather conditions, the talent show and raffle will be rescheduled to next week. The wing eating contest did continue at Hard Times Café with Kappa Sigma member Mike Attard as the winner.

“We’re really excited this year because we are all competing in these fun events and working together towards a common goal, which is going to make such a difference in the lives of children,” Paulson said.

The talent show, which was scheduled to take place in Enterprise room 80, was canceled due to the icy weather. The talent show would have showcased 11 different acts ranging from song and dance performances like tap dancing, comedy and reading poetry.

“The purpose of hosting a raffle is to raise enough money for the cause because we are still in the beginning stages of what we want to accomplish,” Forbes said.

Although Chi Omega has raised more than $2,000 this week and has surpassed last year’s goal, the organization still needs more donations to fulfill a child’s wish, which can be expensive.

“In addition to our events during Battle of the Sexes Week, we will also have a 5K walk/run in the fall, which will give proceeds to Make-A-Wish and hopefully grant a wish of a child on behalf of Chi Omega,” Forbes said.

Students interested in learning more about Chi Omega may visit the sorority's website for more information.