Philanthropy

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

Our Story:

In 1995, one of our sisters, Stacy McKay, lost her life due to Leukemia. She was diagnosed with this disease during her time at Purdue, however, this did not crush her spirit. Stacy continued to pursue her education in engineering while fighting Leukemia. Alongside excelling in school, she raised awareness of the Society and the diseases, asking people to participate in Be the Match, which is a service LLS provides to find blood marrow donors, as well as raising countless dollars. In fact, her efforts were so successful that LLS changed their organization and expanded the charity to make an even bigger impact. Because of this amount of willpower, sisters have continued to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in remembrance of one of our beloved sisters. Learn more about the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and how you can get involved here.

Philanthropies:

Phi Rho Phiesta: Members of the Purdue community were invited to come to our house and eat at an unlimited taco and nacho bar for the price of $8 per person. Alongside eating delicious food cooked by sisters, there were other activities to participate in such as hot sauce shots, cornhole, and trivia. There were some small tokens for purchase, such as pinata cups filled with candy and making your own trail mix. This one night drew over 300 participants and raised a total of $3000 in one night! Phi Sigma Rho had the most successful philanthropy in the Greek community that took place in one night! This was definitely a proud moment for our house.

Phi Rho Floats: Members of the Purdue community were invited to come to our house and eat at an unlimited sundae and ice cream floats bar for $5 presale tickets and $7 at the door! The kitchen and patio were decorated to look like a 70s diner, and there were other activities for guests to participate in such as cornhole and a juke box. We had a great turnout at this event with over 200 participants, and we raised over $1400 for LLS. This was a very exciting night for our chapter, and we're so proud of all the hard work put in by our sisters to make this night such a success! 

Light the Night: A community event in the Lafayette area is Light the Night, organized by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Participants fundraise prior to the event and then walk at the event. It is a great way to show support to LLS, and Phi Sigma Rho has the biggest participation from Purdue’s campus. All the proceeds from the year’s philanthropies go to our Light the Night fund which also goes to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The event continually draws sisters together by fundraising through Purdue’s campus and community and then spending time with one another at the event

PUDM: Purdue University Dance Marathon is an annual event that raises money for Riley’s Children Hospital, an organization that helps children with cancer. Members raise tons of money for the event and participate in a 24 hour dance marathon where sponsors will donate money for hours spent throwing some moves on the dance floor. Sisters take part in this campus-wide event and contributed to the $1,065,610.23 raised just last year! This is the largest fundraiser on Purdue’s campus.

Relay for Life: Relay for Life, known across several campuses and cities, raises awareness and money for breast cancer. Sadly, almost everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer, which only instills a stronger desire to raise money and come together to remember those who have lost their lives due to this disease and celebrate those that have made it through and continue to strive today. Sisters raise money and attend Relay for Life, and Phi Sigma Rho has continually been awarded the top fundraising Greek house on Purdue’s campus! And, we raise more money just as a solo house! Our efforts are shown at the event every year.