When the Phi Theta Phi chapter at Thiel College was disbanded last December, more than the fraternity's name went with it.

For 35 years, the fraternity organized an annual walk-a-thon to benefit UPMC Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh, raising more than $1 million. To prevent the hospital from suffering, Thiel President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Lance Masters promised the college would take over the effort.

Stephanie Erdice, student service specialist at Thiel, said she and a team of six students are organizing this year's event.

"We've been getting feedback from the campus community, and people are really glad we're doing this," Ms. Erdice said. "A lot of people contributed to this, and they didn't want to see a charity like this go by the wayside."

Ms. Erdice said the college was contacted by the hospital, asking Thiel not to discontinue the event.

"They couldn't afford to see $40,000 from their free care fund just go away," she said. "Many people in the community are affected by this. Just about everyone has been in the hospital or known someone who has."

Last Nov. 23 and 24, fraternity brothers used two college vans to transport their friends, several of them underage, to a drinking party off-campus. The fraternity members said they were using the vans as part of the Children's Hospital benefit.

In all, four Thiel students had to be taken to the hospital for binge drinking.

The fraternity was disbanded Dec. 4, 2002, after word of the party started to spread. Last year's walk was canceled, and fraternity members were banned from taking part in any other activity associated with the college.

The new team has been organizing this year's fund-raiser, determining routes and planning dates, Ms. Erdice said.

On the team are chairwoman Jill Speer, Stacey Brown, Adam Guthrey, Joe Meleason, Trevor Okanak and Kristen Atwood.

The walk-a-thon will be held Dec. 12 and 13. Walkers will use different routes this year, but will ultimately end up at Children's Hospital.

Also, the students will gather funds on campus, in Greenville and in the Shenango Valley. Ms. Erdice said people can expect to see the students in the Shenango Valley Mall in Hermitage on Nov. 15.

"Our goal is to raise about $50,000," she said.

Ms. Erdice said the team hopes to involve 80 to 100 Thiel students and faculty members.

You can e-mail Herald Staff Writer Amanda Smith-Teutsch at: ateutsch@sharonherald.com