Sacred Heart University’s Chi Omega chapter recently raised $10,000 for their national philanthropy, the Make-a-Wish foundation. The annual event is called Walk for Wishes. At this event, participants listened to a speech from a Make-A-Wish family, played lawn games, shopped at pop-ups and walked a mile around the chapel quad.
Junior and President of Chi Omega, Sydney Robinson, said the Make-A-Wish foundation provides children and families with strength when going through these difficult times. By raising money for the foundation, Chi Omega works to support creating these memories.
“Make-A-Wish creates lasting impacts for children with critical illnesses and their families. A wish for a kid when their life looks so uncertain, can create a bright, uplifting memory for them to look forward to and remember afterward,” said Robinson.
Chi Omega hosts events throughout the year that students can participate in to raise money for Make-A-Wish.
Source: Contributed by Sydney Robinson, ’26
“Students can get involved by participating in our philanthropy events, like being a dancer for Dancing Wish the Stars, or just coming to watch. Besides involvement, students can donate to Make-A-Wish by going to our fundraisers, donating at our table times, or purchasing a ticket to attend our philanthropy events,” said Robinson.
Junior Natalie Coffey, director of philanthropy for the sorority, said she has personally seen the influences of the foundation. By joining Chi Omega, Coffey was able to further dedicate herself to a cause she deeply cares for.
“I have such a strong connection to Make-A-Wish because I have been able to see its impact firsthand. I work as a camp counselor at a day camp for pediatric cancer patients and their siblings, so naturally, many of my campers are wish kids,” said Coffey. “The resilience of these kids is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before and wishes for them are almost like magic — bringing them more strength than you could ever imagine.”
Robinson shared some other events that Chi Omega is involved with. These include Alumni Star Ceremonies and Wish Grantings. The Alumni Star Ceremonies celebrate children who have already had their wishes granted.
Sophomore Sadie Olsen, the organization’s panhellenic delegate, said it’s important for people to be made aware of Make-A-Wish. According to Olsen, Chi Omega’s major goal is to draw more awareness to the cause.
“Spreading awareness for Make-A-Wish is more than just raising the money, it’s about giving children and families hope. Every dollar we raise brings us closer to granting wishes that are life-changing for kids with long-term illnesses,” said Olsen.
“To me, Make-A-Wish is about contributing to something that is bigger than myself. It’s about giving children with illnesses something to look forward to and smile about. Being a part of a foundation like Make-A-Wish, even in a small way, is super meaningful and something I will always carry with me,” she said.
To stay up to date with upcoming events and more information on how to donate to Make-a-Wish through a campus organization, follow @chiomega_shu on Instagram.
