Theta Chi Fraternity Surpasses $1 Million in Total Dollars Raised for the USO
Carmel, In. – Theta Chi Fraternity has contributed a cumulative total of more than $1 million to the United Service Organizations (USO) since the inception of its philanthropic partnership nearly ten years ago. The Fraternity’s 159 chapters contributed toward the $1 million total, and during the past year, Theta Chi chapters and collegiate and alumnus members contributed $228,967.57 and tallied 18,917 total hours of service work for the USO. The mission of the USO is closely tied to the Fraternity’s roots at Norwich University, the nation’s oldest private military college.
“Because of Theta Chi Fraternity, our service members and their families know America is always by their side,” noted Dr. J.D. Crouch II, CEO and President of the USO. “For nearly 10 years, Theta Chi has provided critical support for the USO’s programs and services in generous funding and volunteer activities across our regions. The resources provided to the USO allow us to provide 24/7, 365-day services to our all-volunteer professional force of 2.4 million men and women serving on active duty, in the Reserves, or in the National Guard.” “Theta Chi is honored to help advance the mission of the USO,” remarked Michael Mayer, CEO of Theta Chi Fraternity. “We’re proud of the Fraternity’s members and chapters that have provided outstanding support over the years, thereby serving their God, country, and fellow man.”
It is Theta Chi’s goal to help the USO keep service members connected to family, home, and country during their service to the nation through these gifts of both funds and time. “As a Marine Corps veteran, the USO touched my life more times than I can count,” remarked Erik VanDenBerghe, Theta Chi’s Director of Engagement who coordinates the Fraternity’s relationship with the USO. “I’m proud to be both a veteran and a member of Theta Chi. Joining the efforts to support the men and women serving our country far away from their homes and loved ones is especially meaningful as we live out our Fraternity’s motto, ‘An Assisting Hand.’”
Since 2013, Theta Chi chapters across the United States have been fundraising and volunteering service hours in support of the USO. The Fraternity encourages each chapter to raise $1,000 each school year, with a hope that each gives more than the $1,000 figure.
VanDenBerghe gives a charge, however, that he will not stop at $1 million. “Now that we’ve reported over a million dollars donated since 2013,” he exclaims, “We as a Fraternity hope we can achieve our next million in half that time.”
About the USO: The USO strengthens America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation.
About Theta Chi: Founded in 1856 at Norwich University, the oldest private military college in the United States, Theta Chi Fraternity is a men’s collegiate fraternity with more than 200,000 initiated members and has established 245 chapters. Theta Chi’s mission is to develop college-age men into successful students, good citizens, lifelong brothers, and resolute leaders.