Phi Delta Theta - University of Georgia

Spring 2022 GEORGIA ALPHAN GEORGIA ALPHAN g a a l p h a . c o m A big shoutout to our brothers who helped put up lights and decorations at our adopt-a-family's home. I n 2018, Phi Delta Theta launched the LiveLikeLou Foundation, a standalone 501(c)(3) entity with a national scope, a renewed purpose, and three goals: raise awareness of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), raise funds to support ALS patients and their families, and raise funds to find a treatment and/or cure. The Georgia Alpha Chapter immediately became a national leader in all three phases. Georgia Alpha emphasizes raising funds through the fraternity's Iron Phi program and ultimately surpassed their goal of $150,000 by the chapter's 150th anniversary. The fundraising efforts have led to several annual Clark Jackson Awards as the top fundraising chapter. MAKING A DIFFERENCE In November 2018, Georgia Alpha became the pilot chapter for LiveLikeLou's Adopt a Family Program when they partnered with the Collins family of Madison, Georgia. Preston Collins was 41 years old when he was diagnosed with ALS in 2015. He was the husband of Lara and the father of then 10-year-old Alana. The first request from Alana was to decorate the family house with Christmas lights, a task Preston had been unable to do since his diagnosis. Since 2018, our brothers have regularly visited the Collins to play basketball, softball, kickball, or fulfill any other request they recieve from Alana. When Preston was admitted into hospice in fall 2020, the chapter provided meals and support and continued following Preston's passing. Decorating the Collins' house has become an annual Christmas tradition for Georgia Alpha. Lara Collins was quoted in the Scroll as saying, "The guys were awesome—they lifted our spirits and took our minds off ALS. They have done so much, including bringing fun to our home. We thank them so much for being there for us." In December 2019, Georgia football legend Steve Greer, of Athens, and his wife, Susan, became the second family adopted by the chapter. The guys provided meals and helped Susan with chores around the house and yard. The Greer household became a popular destination, as it always concluded with football stories from Steve. "From the first time the guys came to visit, Steve and I realized they were here because they wanted to be," Susan stated. "We always looked forward to their visits." EXPANDING SUPPORT Last November, the chapter volunteered for Hope Loves Company (HLC) in Rutledge, Georgia. HLC is a free-of-charge camp for families battling ALS centered around providing the children of ALS patients a much- needed chance to escape the everyday pressures the disease puts on families. The bothers were able to paddleboard, zipline, and play kickball with around 20 kids and had a chance to hold conversations with ALS patients to understand their struggles and the importance of volunteer efforts in the ALS community. Georgia Alpha's innovative and dedicated efforts to raise funds, awareness, and community involvement in ALS philanthropy has been described as one of a kind by members of the ALS community. Even after the loss of Preston and Steve, the chapter has continued to support and strengthen relationships with their families and expand its role in the ALS community. If you are interested in supporting the chapter's involvement in the LiveLikeLou Foundation, please contact Connor Kastner #2552 at connorkastner1@gmail.com or (770) 710-3242. Yours in the Bond, Matt Smith, Mississippi Beta '95 Philanthropy Chairman Chapter Advisory Board Chairman Ashley Dillard #2108 stad10@yahoo.com Treasurer Howard Guest #2119 hguest3@yahoo.com Scholarship Chairman David Boohaker #2092 david.boohaker@gmail.com Alumni/Recruitment Chairman Mark Chandler #1686 markc@hpiinc.net Housing Corporation President John McGoogan #1485 jmc@prestwickcapital.com Philanthropy Chairman Matt Smith, Mississippi Beta '95 msmith@bdo.com President Reed Stout #2538 Vice President Jack Tucker #2590 Secretary Declan Cleaver #2599 Treasurer Camden Sutherland #2586 Social Chairmen John Brunner #2593 Logan Kelly #2575 Brotherhood Chairman Will Gladden #2576 Academic Chairman Hugh Stacey #2598 Recruitment Chairman Connor Soscia #2587 Philanthropy Chairman Connor Kastner #2552 Risk Management Cole Schmittlein #2584 Warden Ben Tharp #2578 2022 Executive Board A Worthy Cause Brothers Work to Support the ALS Community ΦΔΘ

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