The ladies of the Delta Sigma chapter of Alpha Delta Pi opened their home to the first annual ADPicnic on the Rebel Drive on Tuesday, April 5. The picnic raised money for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) while giving guests the chance to learn more about RMHC and see inside the new ADPi house on Rebel Drive.
Alpha Delta Pi’s national philanthropy foundation donates to RMHC through various fundraising events through out the year. This year’s picnic benefited RMHC as guests and sisters alike enjoyed BBQ, corn-hole and taking pictures in photo booths set up around the house.
Alpha Delta Pi’s executive vice president, Alaina Beardz, said, “The Ronald McDonald House holds such a special place in our hearts, so we were so excited to throw a philanthropy event to support them.”
Bailey Brown, ADPi’s philanthropy chair, said she planned the event to be “fun, fresh and for the kids,” and raise more money than any other past philanthropy event.
“I wanted to create a new event that would be received well by the Ole Miss community because the proceeds directly benefit the children of Ronald McDonald House Charities,” Brown said, “and our chapter raised more money for RMHC than we ever have in the past! $12,500 and counting!”
Tickets for ADPicnic were ten dollars and guests were given the option of BBQ pulled pork sandwiches or BBQ chicken ranch with two sides; mac and cheese, baked beans and cole slaw. Brownies and lemonade were also provided. Attendees were given the opportunity to eat their meals at the house or pick-up to-go boxes of their favorites.
“Before the event began at 5:00 p.m. we had a line forming at the doors, and only five minutes in to the event we had an awesome crowd swarm the house!” Brown said. “The pace hardly slowed the entire night and the amount of people who came was better than I could have ever hoped for!”
Over 800 meals were prepared for the picnic, and the ADPi house was open from 5-8 p.m. It was decorated in red, blue and yellow to show support for RMHC. The dining room and front stairwell featured decorated photo booth areas complete with streamers, costumes and props.
Guests and volunteers were also welcomed to participate in a tournament of corn-hole on the front porch in hopes of winning one of the several gift cards donated by restaurants on the Square.
“Many other people and businesses made donations to our philanthropy once they found we support The Ronald McDonald House Charities, because it’s such a wonderful cause and so widely known for its outstanding care,” Brown said.
Brown said preparations for the event began months ago when she had the idea to change the Spring philanthropy event from ‘Pie a Pie,’ in which a few dollars bought the chance to throw a cream pie at a Delta Sigma member, to an event at the house that showcased the family-oriented nature of ADPi’s philanthropy.
“Since we now have access to a brand new beautiful home, people have been curious as to what our house looks like inside and we are so proud welcome everyone inside! Everyone loves a good meal with a fun atmosphere so from there on the idea grew!” Brown said.
With nearly 800 guests in attendance, the event raised the most funds for RMHC from Delta Sigma chapter.
“Putting this event together was so much fun, we can’t wait to do this again for many years to come!” Beardz said.
Brown and Beardz said it took a lot of hard work to prepare and required the help of the entire chapter and the Oxford community.
After the event, Brown said that because of the this year’s success, the Delta Sigma chapter will be able to sponsor a room at the RMHC in Jackson, Mississippi.
Oftentimes families have to travel and sometime relocate for several weeks or months in order to receive treatment for their ill or injured children. RMHC provides a “home away from home” for these families to rest while their children receive treatment in the hospital.
ADPi supports RMHC by volunteering at its location in Jackson, Mississippi and Memphis, Tennessee. At those locations, the ADPi sisters volunteer to clean and cook for the families staying there as well as host movie and game nights, and cookie decorating parties with the children.
Brown said that volunteering for RMHC continues to inspire her “to work my hardest to give back all we can to those who deserve it the most.” Due to close proximity of Memphis RMHC, she and her sorority sisters were able to make frequent monthly visits to the children and their families.
“I’m so proud of my sisterhood and truly grateful for all the participation from the Ole Miss and Oxford community,” Brown said. “Together we all made a huge difference in the lives of so many children and families.”
Cecily Lane is a journalism major at the Meek School of Journalism and New Media. She can be reached at clane@go.olemiss.edu.
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