Make-A-Wish® Illinois Chapter

Chi Omega Illinois Chapters

The sisters of Chi Omega represent true Leaders in Joy, as they continue to inspire their peers not only to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation, but also to understand and believe in how impactful a wish can be. The experience came full circle for one Chi Omega member, Kelly Gibbons. At five years old, Kelly was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma - a rare form of bone cancer that doctors found in her leg. After an intense round of chemotherapy treatments, the decision was made by Kelly's parents to amputate and fit their daughter with a prosthetic leg.

Kelly and her family were introduced to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois through the hospital. The organization could not have come into their lives at a better time, and Kelly's spirits were lifted after being granted a wish to go to Hawaii and swim with the dolphins.

Fast-forward more than a decade and Kelly was able to give back to the organization which granted her wish many years before. She joined Chi Omega at the University of Illinois in Fall 2007 and became philanthropy chair of the sorority in Winter 2008. During her time on the executive board, the chapter raised more than $20,000 which helped to grant six wishes - an outcome which surpassed their original goal.

Chi Omega, a national sorority, dates back to the 19^th century. The organization encourages the values of independence, innovation and adventure in all members. Even more important is the organization's dedication to philanthropy. A major goal for Chi Omega nationwide is to encourage both collegiate and alumnae chapters to become involved in volunteering and fundraising for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Many Illinois chapters of Chi Omega support the mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

"The Chi Omega Fraternity supports the Make-A-Wish Foundation nationally and it has been amazing to continue to help grant wishes with the Downtown Chicago Alumni chapter. Chi Omega has such a strong presence in Chicago and we have successfully granted several wishes through fundraising and volunteer support over the last couple of years. We are really excited to truly be partners with the Illinois

Chi Omega from the Downtown Alumnae gave Antonio a warm greeting at his shopping spree wish. The group also sponsored his wish through a generous donation. Antonio's wish was one of the 25 Wishes in 25 Hours granted to celebrate the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois' 25th Anniversary.

Chapter of Make-A-Wish," says Elizabeth Kempke, Philanthropy Co-Chair of the Downtown Chicago Chi Omega Alumni Chapter.

Nationwide, the sorority and its members have raised more than $6.5 million and have logged over 400,000 volunteer hours for the Foundation since 2002. As such, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America recognizes Chi Omega as one of their Cause Champion sponsors.

Through fundraising events like annual date auctions, raffles, wine tasting events and many other exciting opportunities, the sisters of Chi Omega are always enthusiastic about ways they can help the Make-A-Wish Foundation nationally, as well as benefitting the Illinois chapter of the Foundation. Chi Omega chapters who have continued to lend support to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois include: Chi Omega Alumnae, Downtown Chicago; Chi Omega Alumnae, Chicago Southwest Suburbs; Gamma Kappa, Western Illinois University; Mu Delta, Bradley University; Omicron, University of Illinois; Rho Kappa, Illinois State University; Rho Mu, DePaul University; and Xi, Northwestern University. Through their commitment to philanthropy, the sisters of Chi Omega will persist in their efforts for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and inspire others to share the power of a wish^®.

 Read more about the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois 25th Anniversary.