Delt Stories

From a week-long series of events at Arizona State University to a macaroni and cheese dinner at North Dakota State University chapters continue to find creative ways to support JDRF, Delt’s philanthropic partner and educate communities about type 1 diabetes. JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. 

Delt World at Arizona State University

Theta Gamma Chapter’s move to the campus Greek Leadership Village inspired a new direction in supporting JDRF through a seven-day commitment to JDRF. At the start of the fall semester, Philanthropy Chairman John Pohar (Arizona State University, 2020) focused on the planning process, applying for permits, completing special events forms and reviewing every detail in advance. Planning and organization led the chapter to raise more than $7,000 for JDRF.

To raise money, the members started tabling outside the library with “penny wars” on a Monday and grilled and sold tacos that Tuesday night. On Wednesday they hosted “Delt-Giorno” selling pizza by the slice. The next day, they sold hot dogs for “Delta Tau Dog-oes” and invited representatives from “Lost Our Home Pet Rescue” who brought dogs to campus. The Tempe, Ariz.-based pet rescue group works to help people and save pets.

On Friday the Delt World Carnival included a combination of activities like inflatable slides and games built by chapter members such as balloon pop and ring toss. They also sold cotton candy, snow cones and popcorn and raised money through an entrance fee for the carnival. The final fundraising event was a car bash on Saturday with a JDRF representative on hand for the first swing.

“It was heartwarming to see it come together. I can’t speak enough about how much work it took, but it was such a good experience supporting JDRF,” said Pohar.

On Sunday the chapter hosted a college-age JDRF ambassador who spoke about his experience with type 1 diabetes.

After the week of events, chapter members found members are more enthused about future philanthropic efforts and they feel an increased sense of alumni engagement.

Deltaroni at North Dakota State University

With Deltroni as their signature event, Iota Sigma Chapter raised nearly $4,000 for JDRF this fall. Philanthropy Chairman Logan Jaszkowiak (North Dakota State University, 2019) and his committee began planning for the macaroni dinner last summer. The chapter cooks the macaroni and cheese and offers an array of toppings, breadsticks and desserts for a $5 fee.

Working closely with JDRF’s North Dakota Chapter proved to be an excellent resource as the chapter garnered coverage by a local radio station and two local television news stations to help promote the event. Chapter members sold tickets at a booth on campus and through a significant social media presence. With increased community participation attendance exceeded 500 with the venue at capacity at times.

“It's amazing to see how much support you can get from the community. Working with JDRF has opened up my eyes to why Delta Tau Delta partners with them. This is the first year that we had help from JDRF North Dakota and it is amazing to see the impact that they can have on your event,” said Jaszkowiak.

Throughout the year, the chapter also supports JDRF by volunteering for the local JDRF One Walk.