Live Like Lou – Our International Philanthropy
Phi Delta Theta is committed to supporting the fight against ALS in honor of Phi Delta Theta member and baseball great, Lou Gehrig, who passed away from ALS, now commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Each year, approximately $1 million is raised to fight ALS through the efforts of Phi Delta Theta members, both undergraduates and alumni. Along with raising funds, Phi Delts support ALS families in their communities through service.
In 2018, Phi Delta Theta International Fraternity and the grassroots organization Live Like Lou, founded by Phi Delt Brother Neil Alexander, joined forces to launch The Live Like Lou Foundation, a stand-alone 501c3 not-for-profit entity with a national scope and a renewed purpose to raise awareness of ALS, raise funds to support ALS patients and their families, and raise funds for a treatment or a cure.
The Live Like Lou Foundation has an impact on many areas in the ALS community including: career development awards for emerging ALS researchers, college scholarships for students whose parents or grandparents have been affected by ALS, the funding of ALS research centers, educational conferences for ALS researchers, and supporting in-person and virtual camps for children who come from ALS families.
Iron Phi – The Brotherhood of Athletes
Iron Phi was developed to strengthen both Phi Delta Theta and its impact on the fight against Lou Gehrig’s disease. Iron Phis raise $1,000 and achieve an athletic goal of choice.
From running and cycling to swimming and hiking, Iron Phi participants have one thing in common - they want to push themselves athletically and do some good in the process. The Iron Phi experience teaches the value of giving back to a cause while doing something great for yourself. The program has become a breeding ground for leaders within the organization.
Dollars raised through Iron Phis are split equally between two causes: Funding ALS initiatives through The Live Like Lou Foundation and funding leadership development opportunities for members of Phi Delta Theta.
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Local Philanthropic Efforts
At Phi Delta Theta, we believe in the power of giving back and making a positive impact on our communities. Our fraternity is deeply committed to philanthropic efforts, particularly in supporting research and awareness for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a cause that is close to our hearts. Since 1955, Phi Delta Theta has partnered with The ALS Association, raising millions of dollars to fund research, provide patient services, and spread awareness about this devastating disease. One of our chapter’s signature events is Golden Phis, held every spring semester. This unique event brings together our fraternity and all sororities at UCF for an unforgettable night at the downtown Orlando nightclub Celine. While the night is filled with celebration, awards, and camaraderie, its true purpose is to raise funds for ALS research. Each participating sorority raises money for their chapter, and the night culminates in the awarding of brotherhood honors and the crowning of a sorority winner based on the most funds raised. At our last Golden Phis event, we were proud to raise over $15,000 for ALS research. This event is not only a highlight of the year but also a meaningful contribution to a cause that aligns with our fraternity’s values. Through our philanthropic efforts, we aim to make a lasting difference in the fight against ALS while fostering a spirit of generosity and unity within the UCF community.