Theta Chi - Drake University

Gamma Tau Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity at Drake University ~ Spring 2025 S E C U R E T H E F U T U R E 7 5 Y E A R S A T D R A K E U N I V E R S I T Y How You Can Make the Difference Broadly Serving Theta Chi G amma Tau's follow-up capital campaign to Secure the Future of our chapter house and our brotherhood at Drake University started with some great momentum, leading into the 75th anniversary celebration during Drake Relays last spring. To date, 67 brothers have supported this campaign with contributions and pledges split between the ΘX Building Corporation (56%) and the Helping Hand Foundation (44%), totaling $747,305. We have collected $380,225, with to-be-paid pledges at $346,275. As a reminder, ΘX Building Corporation funds may be used immediately, while the Helping Hand Foundation amounts may be transferred to ΘX Building funds over time. Our campaign goal is to collect $1,320,000.34 (to honor our 1320 34th Street home!). Funds will be allocated in priority order to pay off the mortgage, refill the Helping Hand Foundation coffers (~$250,000), and provide seed funding for the long-term upkeep of the chapter house (~$250,000). Once the mortgage is retired, ΘX Building Corporation should be able to add to the maintenance fund with freed-up annual rental cash flow from the collegians—creating a self-sustaining "sinking fund" to keep 1320 34th as the top fraternity house on the street. As we can see in the treasurer's report by Brother Shaffer '87 (page 4), the mortgage balance is $784,000. Our pledges to date are approaching the first objective: over time, some of the Helping Hand funds can be applied toward paying off the mortgage. We have the opportunity to Secure the Future of Gamma Tau's residence by meeting our pledge goal AND all supporters making timely contributions. As your campaign chairmen, we agree this campaign is "harder" than 10 years ago: 1) It was a lot more exciting "blowing down" the old wreck of a house and building a new, purpose-built structure as the centerpiece for our chapter. Paying off a mortgage and developing a sinking fund is pretty mundane stuff in comparison! But this boring step is critical to "Securing the Future" of Gamma Tau—both as a compelling competitive offering among Drake's fraternities AND as a financially stable organization. 2) Despite the dynamics of contributions being different the second time around, we have been blessed with exceptional leadership gifts from several brothers in this campaign. In fact, we have exceeded our expectations (and campaign norms) for "middle-tier leadership" gifts in a typical campaign pyramid. Once again, ΘXs are overachievers! To reach our goal, we are continuing to seek at least two more six-figure, top-tier leadership gifts and broad participation. What is "broad" participation, you may ask? IF we can secure the support of 150 more brothers contributing an average of $2,500 (that's $500/ year or $42/month for the next five years, or only giving up two Starbucks coffees a week), we can meet our campaign goal! It has been a privilege working with the brothers on the campaign committee; we cannot thank them enough! As a committee, we have all enjoyed reconnecting with so many of you and catching up on the stories of everyone's journey. It is so amazing that a foundational part of our adult journeys started together at 1320 34th Street ... we hope you will help honor that foundation with a contribution toward our goal of $1,320,000.34. Love and Respect, Todd Andritsch '88 Co-Campaign Chairman The class of 1988 on their pledge football team in 1984. Class of 1988 Reunion in Galena, Illinois, in July 2024. Tom Olive '85 Co-Campaign Chairman

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