Published: September 27, 2008 10:00 pm      

EKU students walk to grant wishes

More than $23,000 was raised Friday for the Make-A-Wish Foundation in the seventh-annual Walk For Wishes sponsored by the Chi Omega sorority at Eastern Kentucky University.

Hundreds of students representing different Greek organizations met on EKU’s track Friday evening for fun, fellowship, and most importantly, a good cause.

“I came out to support a good cause and show that Greek life is more than just partying and having a good time,” said EKU student Charlie Byrd, member of the Sigma Pi fraternity. “I think it gives (the children) another chance, and it might be one of their last chances.”

The Make-A-Wish national foundation works to turn the wishes of terminally ill children into a reality.

The most recent wish granted by the sorority went to Clark-Moores Middle School student William White, 11, who was granted his wish of meeting Stephen Colbert, star of the popular Comedy Central talk show “The Colbert Report.”

This granted wish was made possible by the $22,000 raised at the sorority’s Walk Four Wishes event last year.

Jayna L. Oakley, regional manager for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, voiced her appreciation for the sorority and the work they have done to make EKU’s Walk For Wishes a success.

“The Chi-Omegas is an organization that has made such a difference,” Oakley said. “They are really instrumental in the Make-A-Wish organization because they’re a national sponsor. Not only do they do things for us, but they bring in everybody else. They make it a real community effort. When you get them involved, you know lots of good things are going to happen.”

The EKU sorority has been recognized at its national convention for their work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, said event coordinator and Chi Omega member Christine Winkler.

The 70 girls in the sorority raise money for the organization during the summer either in Madison County or in their hometowns, said Chi Omega President Courtney Callos.

Friday’s event was more than just strolling around the running track.

Several merchandise booths were set up, along with inflatables for children, music and dancing.

David Butch, a member of the EKU Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity chapter, said he was proud to be a part of the event and support the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“I love the Chi Omegas,” Butch said “They’re a great group of girls and they’re doing really good things for the kids who get these wishes. I’m hoping that this shows the community that we (Greek organizations) like

to give back and that we help each other out, no matter what Greek organization we’re in.”

Visit www.makeawishky.org to find more information about the national Make-A-Wish Foundation and ways to volunteer.



Ronica Shannon can be reached at rshannon@richmondregister.com or 623-1669, Ext. 234.