Phi Mu at the University of Tennessee – Knoxville sees their highest fundraising year to date in 2023!

As a long-time partner of East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, the Kappa Chapter of Phi Mu at the University of Tennessee – Knoxville was ready to break records this year when it came to fundraising and engagement.

Under the leadership of their Philanthropy Chair, Natalie Ray, not only did they see record-breaking fundraising, but their presence at the hospital through engaging activities was making all the difference for patients receiving life-saving, comprehensive treatment.

Phi Mu brought the magic of Build-A-Bear to the hospital. Children on the in-patient floors were able to join them in one of the playrooms to choose a stuffed animal, fill it with stuffing, make a wish and add a heart, and then close them up to keep forever. Each stuffed animal got its own birth certificate where the patient was able to choose a name for their new furry friend and then go on to make jewelry and accessories out of pipe cleaners and beads. This activity brought so much fun to patients and families and quickly became a favorite at the hospital.

Along with Build-A-Bear, Phi Mu would come by monthly to host various craft activities with patients. This allowed for some fun outside of patient rooms and an opportunity for Phi Mu to interact with patients who were benefiting from the funds they raise all year long.

All the time spent creating fun memories for patients, didn’t take away from the time spent raising funds for the hospital. It actually caused their fundraising to be higher than ever before. The Kappa Chapter saw a 107% increase in fundraising in 2023! This included fundraising through their year-long philanthropy events as well as fundraising in partnership with VOLthon, Dance Marathon at the University of Tennessee.

Phi Mu raised over $70,000 through VOLthon in the Spring, keeping the tradition going of being VOLthon’s highest fundraising team overall.

In the Fall it was all about Philanthropy for Phi Mu! Through their annual Miracle Week, Phi Mu brought in over $45,000 for Children’s Miracle Network at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital! Over $15,000 of that was raised in a single day alone when they invited Miracle Kid, Holston, and his mom, Mary Beth, to their Parents Weekend Brunch one Sunday morning. Holston’s mom was able to share about their journey with Children’s Hospital and parents were able to see first-hand the impact that their daughters make on a daily basis for kids and families who receive care at their local CMN Hospital.

To say Phi Mu crushed it would be an understatement. In 2023, Phi Mu – Kappa Chapter at the University of Tennessee raised $118,544.43 for Children’s Miracle Network at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital! Their highest annual fundraising total to date.

We are so grateful to partners like Phi Mu that choose to lead with heart and compassion each day as they continue to raise funds and awareness for East Tennessee Children’s Hospital!