Theta Chi - University of Florida

Tau Chapter of Theta Chi University of Florida P.O. Box 442100 Lawrence, KS 66044-2100 Address Service Requested TAU TOPICS The Perfect Recipe for Recovery from COVID-19 Brothers Raise Nearly $30,000 for Former Tau Chapter Cook Suzette Riggins T hroughout our respective Theta Chi experiences, we've learned the importance of lending an assisting hand to people when they need it most. For 20-plus years, Suzette Riggins embodied Theta Chi's motto to hundreds of Tau Chapter brothers as our Chapter's cook, serving delicious meals and gracious wisdom to brighten our day. In January, it was our turn to return the favor to Mama Sue by lending assisting hands after she was diagnosed and hospitalized in the ICU with COVID-19. As several healthcare heroes gave Suzette the medical attention she needed, Graham Glover '92 organized a GoFundMe fundraiser for our beloved former cook. More than 280 Tau Chapter brothers and friends of Sue came up with the perfect recipe for her COVID-19 recovery by raising nearly $30,000. "I just want to thank you, Theta Chi family. I love you all," Suzette said in a YouTube message. "You're still my family. The donations have been a great blessing to me, and everything has really helped me through these hard times and me getting off the sick bed. The Lord brought me a long way and I'm blessed to be here now. There was a little doubt in my mind that I wasn't going to get up and see these names that I've seen over the years. I appreciate you guys and I love you so much." Reading the names of the brothers who contributed to the GoFundMe brought back some very special memories for Suzette. Brother Glover knows he's far from being alone when it comes to enjoying Suzette's cooking. However, he believes the outpouring of support that Suzette received during her COVID-19 battle is proof that her meals weren't the only things that were appreciated at Tau Chapter. "Suzette wasn't just our cook, she was our 'mom,'" Glover said. "She listened (more than she needed to), cooked us what we wanted (even when it wasn't on the menu), and always did her best to make the brothers happy (which is never an easy thing to do). It's been great to be reunited with her, and every time I see her we share stories about her time at Theta Chi." Glover serves as the public information officer for the Gainesville Police Department and has had the treat of seeing Suzette serve as the cook for the Reichert House Youth Academy, which is an after-school program for at-risk youth that's run by the GPD. He couldn't be prouder of how his brothers rallied to help Suzette so she could make a full recovery and continue to serve the Gainesville community. "It speaks volumes about how much Theta Chi remains a part of our lives," Brother Glover said. "Theta Chi isn't just an organization that we were part of for four years. It is a brotherhood that remains with us for the rest of our lives." Suzette can't wait to reconnect with more Tau Chapter brothers and learn about all they've accomplished since graduating from Florida. She's thankful for each and every Theta Chi who lent an assisting hand when she was served with the unexpected hardships of COVID-19. "I am so glad that you all even thought of me because I thought you all had forgot about me FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK Alumni Page: Search "Theta Chi Tau Chapter Alumni" and never knew me, but you did. I love you for this and I love every one of you all," Suzette said. "All those names just came back to me like it was yesterday. I was just so glad to hear about you guys and that you're still around here with your wives. I love you all so much." Suzette welcomes any notes from brothers who would like to reach out to her. Her address is 426 NW 4th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601.

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