Phi Gamma Delta - University of Texas

Fall 2024 Newsletter

Texas Fiji of Phi Gamma Delta at the University of Texas

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Page 2 Phi Gamma Delta face painting, and the company of specially trained service dogs. They even host monthly birthday parties, ensuring every child gets a special celebration. "Approximately 75 percent of our families are financially disadvantaged and cannot afford childcare—especially for a child with special needs," Tom explained. "In addition, many of our kids are raised by a single parent." The organization has two Dallas locations: Lovers Lane United Methodist Church and White Rock United Methodist Church. On any given Friday night, they can have up to 40 to 50 kids at either location. Rays of Light, since their beginning, has been committed to never charging their special families for respite care. Tom attributes the nonprofit's success to the best staff and volunteers in the world. "I'm always amazed seeing kids coming through the door, watching their faces light up with excitement and pure joy," he said. "Special kids often do not get the attention they deserve; at Rays of Light, each child has one or two volunteers! The children are the center of attention, and they feel loved." Lives of Service In recent years, Tom's pledge class has started holding reunions, and he gets to see many brothers during football season as well. "Each time I see them, we quickly return to all the fun college memories. It blows my mind how much we still remember after all these years!" Tom is thankful not only for his brothers' friendship and company, but also for the support they have shown Rays of Life. Many donate to the organization and also attend its annual gala. "It is always better to give than to receive. Don't make your business career your greatest achievement in life," Tom said. "Find a cause and put your heart and soul into helping those who cannot help themselves." Rays of Light's next gala will be at Gilley's in downtown Dallas on April 25, 2025. For more information, Tom encourages brothers to visit RaysofLightDallas.org. You can also connect with Tom at tom.rachal@bulwark.com. Serving ThoSe in need Tom's son, Sam (center), at Rays of Light's annual gala with volunteers from St. Mark's School of Texas. (Continued from page 1) Judd Miller Jr. '51 and Patricia live on their ranch near Cuero, Texas. Judd raises Brangus cattle and has axis and white tail deer. "Life is good!" Email: judd@nodial.net Daniel G. Davis '66 is still trying criminal cases in Beverly Hills, Texas. His children, Parker and Natalie, live in Tampa and Palm Beach, respectively. Daniel and wife Jill are shopping for a second home in Florida, and "like everyone else, I've lost a real 25 pounds and obeyed Jill for 35 years." Email: danielgdavislaw@gmail.com David F. Motheral Jr. '69 is working with city leaders on future development plans for the near south side and medical district of downtown Ft. Worth. He's also working on long-term planning of Ft. Worth housing growth and transportation plans for massing growth of the metroplex. Email: david.motheral@motheraldev.com Bruce R. Hotze Sr. '71 is happy in Houston, Texas, on the St. Dominic Village Board of Directors. He has six married children and 19 grandchildren. Email: bhotzemind@aol.com Alumni News Check out what some of our Texas Fiji alumni have been up to! The 1974 pledge class celebrates their 50th reunion at Buen Retiro. Chapter Advisor John Newton '00 and President Brady Lamme '21 accept Sorority and Fraternity Life awards from the Dean of Students Office. Theodore "Ted" Hager '53 celebrates his 90th birthday with a Fiji cake.

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