GREENVILLE, Pa. - Dec. 16, 2020 - Thiel College fraternity Phi Theta Phi has pledged to walk 100 miles in just over 24 hours as part of the organization's annual Walk-a-thon for Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.
The walk traditionally takes place in the first week of December, with members walking from the Thiel College (https://www.thiel.edu/) campus in Greenville to the Pittsburgh Light Up Night festivities and Children's Hospital. This year that walk has been postponed until April due to COVID-19 restrictions. Rather than canceling, the Phis will walk from 7 p.m. Friday to 8 p.m. on the College's track.
"Phi Theta Phi's Walk-A-Thon has been a staple for the Thiel College community for decades and though COVID-19 threatened to cancel it, the show must go on! The Walk chairmen worked with the College to create a plan to ensure maximum safety for our brothers and the Thiel Community," Phi Theta Phi president John Ganiear '22 said. "I am proud of this organization and of the support we have received from our entire community. It is the generosity of the surrounding community's residents and alumni that help the children in need that can't help themselves."
Phi Theta Phi members and friends started collecting Tuesday and will be collecting again Thursday in and around Greenville. Shifts of brothers will walk from Friday evening to Saturday night with a ceremonial final lap with all the members and supporters beginning at 7:45 p.m.
Donations can be mailed to Phi Theta Phi, 75 College Avenue, Greenville, PA 16125.
The fraternity has raised more than $1.8 million for the Hospital's Free Care Fund since it began an annual 100-mile Walk-a-thon in 1968. In 2019, Phi Theta Phi received the "Leaps and Bounds" Award from the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation after the 2018 Walk-a-thon raised $55,884.72. The total was the most a single walk raised in the event's 50-year history.
Charitable service is an important part of the mission of each fraternity and sorority at Thiel College. Annually, Greek fundraising efforts donate thousands of dollars to charities such as the American Red Cross, Autism Speaks, the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, veterans, Adopt-A-Highway and many others.
About Thiel College
Thiel College (https://www.thiel.edu/) is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation.
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