Phi Theta Kappa Chapters Exceed $1 Million Fundraising Goal for American Cancer Society
Phi Theta Kappa chapters have raised $1,314,214 for the American Cancer
Society, exceeding their goal of $1 million, established at the beginning
of their International
Service Program partnership in 2002.
With six months
to go before their goal deadline of raising $1 million for the American Cancer
Society by the 2006 International Convention, Phi Theta Kappa International
Honor Society and the American Cancer Society announced this week that
Society members have already exceeded their goal.
Leaders
of both organizations praised the chapters for their efforts.
"It
is incredible, however not surprising, that Phi Theta Kappa chapters have
surpassed their goal to raise $1 million for the American Cancer Society
through the International Service Program, Conquering Cancer: Continuing
the Fight," said Phi Theta Kappa's Executive Director Rod Risley.
"Time and time again Phi Theta Kappa's members and advisors have showed
their untiring commitment to the Society's service and civic engagement
initiatives, and this is no exception."
"We are so delighted
that you have exceeded all of our expectations for the International Service
Program and it is heartwarming to see today's brightest scholars committed
to eliminating cancer," said John R.Seffrin, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer
of the American Cancer Society.
"Phi Theta Kappa has been a dedicated
partner in the mission of the American Cancer Society, and continues to
lead the way as 2005's most successful national student organization raising
monies for Relay For Life! In our three years together, Phi Theta Kappans
have raised an amazing $1,314,214 -- funds that are being returned to the
communities the Society serves all across the country. Your support allows
us to fund ground-breaking research, improve patient care, inform the
public about the need for screening and prevention, and advocate for better
laws to fight cancer. Thank you for truly making a difference," Seffrin
concluded.
Since the partnership began in 2002, 34,779 members
have devoted 407,896 hours of service and raised a total of $1,314,214 for
the American Cancer Society.
Phi Theta Kappa was also recently
recognized as the student organization raising the most funds - over $230,000
- and fielding the most teams - 220 - for Relay For Life in 2005.
Dr.
Shelia Taylor, advisor at Ozarks Technical Community College in Missouri
and Kathryn Michel, chapter vice president at Elgin Community College
in Illinois, whose chapters were among the Society's top Relay teams, accepted
the award along with Phi Theta Kappa International President Arthur Vargas
and Director of Chapter Programs Brandi McNeil.
In 2005 Ozarks
Technical Community College raised $7,302.08 and Elgin Community College
raised $5,774 for their respective Relay For Life events.
"The
International Service Program means so much to Phi Theta Kappa and its members,
because as a 'community of scholars,' we are making a positive impact in
the lives of many people affected by cancer," said Arthur Vargas, Phi Theta
Kappa International President.
Phi Theta Kappa is the oldest,
largest, and most prestigious honor society serving two-year and community
colleges in all 50 of the United States, Canada, Germany, and U.S. territorial
possessions. Approximately 100,000 students are inducted annually in
the Society's 1,200 chapters.
