On Oct. 19, sisters of the Alpha Delta Pi (ADPi) sorority hosted their fall philanthropy event, “Fall 4 the RMHC”. Taking place in the Pioneer Village section of the Sacred Heart University campus, attendees were treated to a night of Halloween-themed snacks, photoshoots, and pumpkin painting. Students were encouraged to purchase tickets in order to play games and donate money, with all proceeds going to the Ronald McDonald House Charities foundation.
One of the key figures behind this festival was Abigail Keating, a current senior at SHU. As the Philanthropy Chair of ADPi, Keating was entrusted with creating an event that was meaningful and enjoyable.
“This time we wanted to try something different,” said Keating. “Last year we set up a dunk tank, and before that we hosted the Diamonds in the Dirt kickball tournament.”
Senior Alyssa Pallato helped plan the event as both an ADPi member and RMHC specialist.
“I work closely with the charity to support these families,” said Pallato. “We cook meals directly for people, write thoughtful greeting cards, and provide activities for the kids to do.”
The Ronald McDonald House Charities program offers help and refuge for families with sick children. The foundation is present in 60 countries across the world and has saved families over $400 million in food and lodging expenses. Additionally, 90% of children’s hospitals worldwide include at least one RMHC program.
ADPi members pose in front of the mummy wrapping game. Source: Grace Hand 
Sisters sell tickets for their fall activities. Source: Grace Hand
Being that this event has never been done before, the sisters of ADPi had to do additional planning to make it all happen.
“This is my first year working in liaison with both organizations, and we had to decide if trying something new was worth it,” said Pallato.
In the days leading up to the event, the sorority faced some hurdles.
“Our food truck for the festival got an oil leak, and as a result they couldn’t show up,” Keating said.
Despite the obstacles that laid in their path, ADPi sisters believed it was both important and rewarding to host this event.
“I loved looking around and seeing it all come together. I knew all the work I had put in paid off. It was like preparing for a tough exam and then finding out you did very well,” said Keating.
Current sophomore and ADPi member Maggie Garcia said, “Standing outside in the cold is worth it when you are supporting an organization that you are passionate about.”
“For me, attending in person and seeing where the funds are going is very important. I know I’m making a difference,” said Pallato.
Freshman Abbi Walsh shared a personal connection with her group’s philanthropy.
“The RMHC is really important to me and my family because we spent a lot of time there when my sister was sick, so seeing people work to raise money for this organization was very meaningful,” said Walsh.
With the help of the campus community, Alpha Delta Pi was able to raise over $10,000 to give to the RMHC.
“This was only possible thanks to everyone’s contributions. I learned that doing something good can also be fun as well. Fundraising shouldn’t seem like a forced task,” said Keating.
Alpha Delta Pi was founded on May 15, 1851, at Wesleyan Female College, the first college to offer degrees to women. The sorority features over 200,000 initiated women across North America, and is dedicated to promoting the values of scholarship, sisterhood, and service. The Theta Rho Chapter was established at Sacred Heart University in 2013.
