`Phis making 30th annual trek`

Thiel College's Phi Theta Phi fraternity will hold its 30th annual walk-a-thon Dec. 5 and 6 from Greenville to Pittsburgh's Children's Hospital.

The fraternity's goal is to raise $50,000 for the hospital, almost $12,000 more than last winter's total.

``All of the money we raise this year goes straight to the Free Care Fund at Children's Hospital,'' said Michael Colarusso, chairman of the 1997 walk. The Free Care Fund is to assist families that don't have insurance.

Walkers, including fraternity brothers, faculty members and friends will leave Thiel's campus at 11 a.m. on Dec. 5, making the almost 100-mile trek through Mercer, Butler and Allegheny counties. The walkers will stay overnight at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Freeport Friday evening before continuing the journey to the Oakland facility. More than 70 participants are expected.

``It is a worthwhile cause to get all of our brothers, alumni and faculty together striving for a common goal,'' Colarusso said. ``After the walk, we tour the hospital and visit with some of the patients. It shows where your hard work is going to, and that all of the planning and effort has paid off in the lives of those families.''

The fraternity also raised additional money for the Children's Hospital project Nov. 16 at Three Rivers Stadium when the Pittsburgh Steelers played the Cincinnati Bengals. The 1997 walk chairman said that more than 50 people helped to canvass the stadium _ more volunteers than Phi Theta Phi has ever mustered.

The fraternity began collecting funds for the project at Thiel College's annual homecoming parade, Oct. 18. ``We are off to a good start and I believe that $50,000 is a reachable goal,'' said Colarusso, a senior communication major from Monroeville. ``It won't be easy, but we have received a lot of support so far,'' he said.

Since 1968, Phi Theta Phi, a local fraternity, has raised more than $845,000 for Children's Hospital.

Those wishing to to support the fraternity's effort may make checks payable to Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, and send them to Mike Colarusso, Phi Walk, Thiel College, P.O. Box 308, Greenville, PA, 16125.

Back to TOP // Herald Local news // Local news headlines // Herald Home page

Updated Nov. 20, 1997
Questions/comments: herald@pgh.net
For info about advertising on our site or Web-page creation: advertising@sharon-herald.com