ATHENS, Ohio -- Representatives of Ohio University's Delta Pi Chapter of the Sigma Chi fraternity recently donated $7,500 to the Children's Miracle Network (CMN) of Columbus, Ohio.

"Sigma Chi feels honored to be able to contribute to such a great cause. Our donation not only shows the ambitious purposes of Ohio University's Delta Pi chapter of Sigma Chi, but it also demonstrates the impact the Greek community can have on a college campus, the surrounding area and beyond," said Sigma Chi Philanthropy Chair Matt Hopes.

The Children's Miracle Network is an alliance of 165 hospitals and health-care facilities across the United States and Canada that generates funds for pediatric patients in its network of hospitals that treat various types of illnesses and afflictions, regardless of a family's ability to pay, Hopes explained.

This donation was raised as a result of an ongoing fundraising campaign that was highlighted last May through the fraternity's Derby Days concert, for which more than 2,500 tickets were sold. The weeklong events also included sorority competitions, such as a volleyball tournament, a penny wars competition, a school supply drive and an aquatics event.

"Derby Days provides us with the opportunity to help others, advance the interests and honors of the fraternity, promote the spirit of brotherhood and Greek unity, improve relations with the campus and community, grow personally, meet people, make new friends and have fun," said Hopes.

Since 1992, Sigma Chi members everywhere have raised more than $2 million for CMN. Ohio University's Delta Pi Chapter has many other community service events planned for the year in addition to continuing Derby Days. Some of the members have been involved with athletic coaching, and the chapter plans to become involved with the Ohio Department of Transportations Highway Clean Ups, host a Friday night supper at Good Works and participate in other Greek philanthropy events.

"Sigma Chi members and their fellow Greeks have tremendously contributed community service to the Athens area," said Merle Graybill, director of the Ohio University Center for Community Service. "We are very proud of them for their excellent efforts."