NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s Kappa Iota chapter of Phi Mu raised $2,613 for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals during its Dancing with the Mu’s philanthropy event Tuesday, Nov. 10, surpassing its $2,000 fundraising goal.
Inspired by the television show “Dancing with the Stars,” the event featured Phi Mu members performing choreographed dances with partners, including fellow sorority members. The event was open to the campus and local community, with funds raised through ticket sales, participant fees and People’s Choice donations.
Alexa Metternich and Daniel Gallagher were named Mirrorball Champions and received the Miracle Maker Award for raising the most money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
Heidi Gauthier, a junior communications major from Moreauville, serves as Phi Mu’s philanthropy chairwoman and organized the event.
“Dancing with the Mu’s is a Dancing with the Stars-inspired philanthropy event,” Gauthier said. “All the money that we raise is going to CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria.”
“It’s just giving back to something greater than ourselves, to lend to those less fortunate a helping hand,” Gauthier said.
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has been Phi Mu’s national philanthropic partner since 1986. The organization raises funds to support pediatric patient care, medical equipment, research and other resources for children and families.
Kellie Veillon, Children’s Miracle Network program director for the CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Foundation, attended the event and thanked Phi Mu members for their contributions to pediatric care across Central Louisiana.
“Y’all are changing lives all over 14 different parishes, not just here in Natchitoches,” Veillon said. “We are so grateful for every penny that you raise on behalf of our kids.”
Veillon said contributions from NSU’s Phi Mu chapter have helped the hospital acquire medical equipment, including nitric oxide therapy equipment for premature infants experiencing breathing difficulties. Donations have also helped purchase a specialized transport isolette with servo-controlled temperature regulation, allowing medical teams to transport infants who require a higher level of care.
“These funds, these donations are serious and they make real impact,” Veillon said.
For Abigail Bakay, a junior nursing major from New Orleans and member of Phi Mu, the philanthropy holds personal significance. Bakay received treatment at a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital as a child.
“Children’s Miracle Network is so important to me because I was a Children’s Miracle Network child,” Bakay said. “I was able to be treated in a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, and they changed my life and impacted me in ways I can’t even express.”
“I’m here today because I had people willing to change my life and make me healthier,” Bakay said. “You can change a child’s life by being here and supporting Children’s Miracle Network.”
For more information about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, visit www.childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org.