Last week, the Iota Theta Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity announced the launch of their very first holiday-themed philanthropy event, ΘΧmas, from Nov. 17 through Nov. 20.
As part of the event, fellow UCF Greeks were invited to participate in a number of Christmas activities to help raise money for Knight-Thon, the University of Central Florida’s largest student philanthropy benefiting the Greater Orlando Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. The event garnered nearly $3,000 in donations in four days. “ΘΧmas is an opportunity to raise money for Knight-Thon while spreading Christmas cheer,” said A.J. Rodriguez, one of the founders of ΘΧmas along with Wylder Heard. “Christmas is about giving to others. That’s our goal here.” Every activity throughout the week was a chance to raise money, earn points and spread holiday cheer. These activities ranged from holiday decorating to ornament painting and opportunities to wrap presents for different Miracle Children. On the final day of ΘΧmas on Nov. 20, Theta Chi held an ugly sweater party at the house with cookies, milk, eggnog, hot chocolate and more.
As part of the event finale, Theta Chi hosted a speaker from the Greater Orlando Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, as well as a miracle child, named AJ, and his family. “Children's Miracle Network Hospitals is an organization with a cause very close to my heart and those of our brothers as well,” said Kurt Owen, president of the Iota Theta Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity at UCF. “Having seen the positive impact it has made on one of our very own brothers makes it that much more real in the eyes of our brotherhood.” Chris Hixon, a brother of Theta Chi Fraternity for four years and previous executive member, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia on his sixth birthday, survived and stopped his treatment two years later, and has since become a huge advocate for nonprofit organizations focused on children’s healthcare.
To give back, Chris Hixon is serving his second year on the Knight-Thon executive board and has personally raised more than $1,627.47 in donations since becoming involved with the cause. “As someone who survived cancer at an early age, I think it's awesome to see my fraternity give back to a cause that impacts so many children every day,” said Chris Hixon, senior at the University of Central Florida. “I participate in Knight-Thon because it unites college students to not only make an impact in the lives of sick children everywhere, but also because of the opportunities it may give them--to grow up outside of the walls of a hospital, to graduate high school and go to college, and to follow their dreams without worrying about how close they are to a hospital.”
About Knight-Thon: Knight-Thon is the University of Central Florida’s 20-hour dance marathon and year-long fundraising effort directly benefiting Greater Orlando Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. In this collegiate philanthropy, student teams raise money year round through fundraising events and personal appeals. In the spring, students stand for 20 hours to celebrate their fundraising efforts and the kids they are raising money to support. Knight-Thon is thousands of UCF students standing for a cause, standing to help their community, standing to help local kids at local hospitals. About Theta Chi Fraternity: Theta Chi is one of the oldest men’s college fraternities in North America. Founded in 1856, more than 175,000 members have enjoyed the Fraternity’s traditions, ideals and fellowship. Founded on the principle of friendship through the mutual assistance of every member, Theta Chi aims to provide its members with an enjoyable and fulfilling collegiate experience that also prepares them for rewarding, successful lives after graduation.
