Despite this weekend’s inclement weather, the members of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority still managed to put smiles on the faces of patients at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at the 10th annual Dream Day event.
As one of the sponsors of the event, the sorority helped provide the fishing, horseback riding, games and food for the children — many of whom are fighting life-threatening illnesses at St. Jude’s in Memphis, Tenn. The event, which was cut short because of severe weather conditions, was held at the Enquist Ranch in Clinton, La., about 45 miles north of Baton Rouge.
In November of 2003, the Kappas hosted the Kappa Klassic, a charity golf tournament hosted at the LSU golf course.
“Any charity that benefits children is a wonderful organization,” said Calli Boudreaux, a business administration senior and philanthropy chair in charge of the golf tournament. “The Dream Day Organization gives gives children a chance to take a break from the hassles of hospitals and treatment to have a day of fun.”
More than 1,000 patients, family members and volunteers took part in Saturday afternoon’s event, which culminated with the presentation of a check for $40,000 the to pediatric research hospital.
Blair Herrington, a kinesiology junior and philanthropy chair of the Dream Day event said it was a great opportunity for the group to make a difference.
“Seeing the children outside of their day-to-day environment and having fun doing things they wouldn’t normally be able to experience makes you feel like you’ve made a difference,” Herrington said.