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October 21, 2011

ULM's Phi Mu chapter celebrates philanthropy day

The Alpha Rho Chapter of the Phi Mu Fraternity of the University of Louisiana at Monroe celebrated Phi Mu's National Philanthropy Day on Oct. 17 by writing letters to our troops stationed outside of the United States.

This was part of the Bert Show's Big Thank You, a program put on by an Atlanta morning radio show.

Their goal is to collect 400,000 handwritten thank you letters in order for each serviceperson stationed or deployed outside the United States to receive a letter on Thanksgiving Day.

Members of Alpha Omicron Pi and Kappa Delta sororities also participated in this event, allowing nearly 300 letters to be sent to the Bert Show's Big Thank You.

Phi Mu Fraternity is the first Greek organization to declare a national day for hands-on service projects nationwide.

Beginning in 1999, Phi Mu collegiate and alumnae chapters have performed philanthropic work throughout the United States on the third Monday of October each year.

"Chapters across the country opened their hearts and lent a hand to local children's hospitals and to their communities," said Julie Burkhard, interim executive director of the Phi Mu Foundation. "Our members truly made a difference in the lives of others."

One of the nation's oldest and largest college organizations for women, Phi Mu was founded at Wesleyan College in Macon, Ga. in 1852.

Phi Mu was among the first women's fraternities to provide educational programs to promote personal and leadership development for its members.

Phi Mu is well known for its philanthropic fund-raising for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.

As a national sponsor, Phi Mu has raised over 7.3 million dollars. Through National Philanthropy Day, Phi Mu has given thousands of volunteer hours to local communities.

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