By Abby Rathburn | Staff Writer
On Friday night, Fountain Mall buzzed with fall festivities, from a petting zoo to a dunk tank to painting tote bags. Alpha Delta Pi hosted its annual fall philanthropy event, Harvest for Hope, with support from the Baylor Activities Council.
Since 1979, Alpha Delta Pi, also known as ADPi, has partnered with the nonprofit organization Ronald McDonald House to support families when their children are severely sick or injured.
According to the Alpha Delta Pi Foundation, “Alpha Delta Pi supports approximately 40% of Ronald McDonald House Chapters worldwide … [and] has contributed more than $26,700,000” across all chapters.
Ronald McDonald House has expanded all over the globe, boasting over 600 total precincts and rooms in hospitals to accommodate families in need.
For attendees, Harvest for Hope offered an opportunity to connect with ADPi’s philanthropy on a deeper level. Kingwood freshman Emma Hilton said she was invited to the event by a friend who is an active member of Baylor’s Zeta Chi chapter of ADPi. After hearing about their philanthropy for the first time, she was reminded of a moment from her past.
“I love ADPi because I fell in love when I heard about their philanthropy,” Hilton said. “It resonated with me because I had a friend that died of leukemia.”
After seeing the event’s mission firsthand, Baylor Activities Council decided to partner with ADPi to bring it to life.
“We provide more budget for them, so it definitely helps bring together a bigger event than they would have expected if they just did it on their own,” Dallas sophomore and Marketing Coordinator Maha Asif said.
Baylor Activities Council, known on campus as BAC, is a student-run organization that helps other on-campus organizations run such large-scale events. Because of its widespread volunteer network and increased funding, BAC can help organizations like ADPi create a more engaging experience for the Baylor community.
Dallas sophomore and Program Manager Aaliyah Mansur said she worked closely with her ADPi counterparts to contact vendors, complete work orders and use her peer network to invite more of the student body to the event.
BAC’s involvement extends beyond Harvest for Hope, as the council will also assist Phi Gamma Delta, Alpha Tau Omega and Chi Omega with their upcoming events.
This behind-the-scenes effort made by both organizations made it possible for attendees to enjoy all the festivities. Hilton and her friends soaked everything in, using the scenery as inspiration for their tote bag paintings.
