The
Kappa Deuteron Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta at the University of Georgia
is known not just for producing great Fijis, but also leaders in
every aspect of life. Each Brother and Pledge is encouraged to be
well-rounded by participating in the "Three A's" of Academics,
Athletics and Activities. Even after focusing on schlarship, Georgia Phi Gams are usually a member of at least one organization or team
in addition to the Fraternity.
Our
main philantrophic activity here at Phi Gamma Delta is a relay-style
fundraiser called "Run for the Kids." For three years until 2000,
the brotherhood raised money to benefit the Upper Chattahoochee
Riverkeepers. Although we were successful in aiding this charity,
2001 marked the beginning of a new tradition of supporting the Children's
Miracle Network, part of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta through
Dance Marathon, which we still support to this day.
The
Tale of Two Cities
"Run
for the Kids," formerly known as "Run for the River," is possible
because of a collaborative effort by the Phi Gams of the University
of Georgia and the Georgia Institute of Technology. These two groups
work hard each year, but there is more to the story than just college
fraternity guys raising money...
As
each college football season moves toward the holiday season, many
teams look forward to bowl games. But for the University of Georgia
Bulldogs and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, there is another tough
test first: their annual gridiron contest is the weekend after Thanksgiving.
For these schools, the regular season is not complete until they
secure the title as the best team in Georgia. After this game, the
winner claims bragging rights until the teams square off again the
next fall.
In
this rivalry, the Bulldogs have dominated the 1990s, winning seven
straight matchups over the Yellow Jackets. This streak came to a
sudden halt when Georgia Tech kicker Brad Chambers drilled a last-second
field goal to edge the Bulldogs 21-19 in the 1999 contest. In 2001,
the Bulldogs seemed poised to reclaim their pride with a win in
the regular season finale at Tech's Grant Field. They were again
met with disappointment when in the final minutes, a questionable
fumble called back a possible game-winning touchdown. Finally, in
2002, the soon-to-be SEC Champion pulled out a nasty 51-7 victory
over the Yellowjackets.
Undoubtedly,
this rivalry will last long into the third millennium. With the
annual game, each team meets a chance for redemption or for continued
domination. For both schools, this rivalry is more than a test of
athletic skills; it is also a measure of character for each player.
The game represents a fight that results from a desire to achieve
goals and honor and uphold the traditions of each school. The display
of pride and achievement in each team extends beyond the game into
our communities, schools, and hometown values. The love for the
State of Georgia and its football programs has lived through the
trials and tribulations of the past century and will no doubt assume
a greater presence in the fabric of society within all citizens
and fans in the years to come.
Run for the Kids
In 1998,
the Kappa Deuteron chapter of Phi Gamma Delta at the University
of Georgia and the Gamma Tau chapter at Georgia Tech revived one
of our many traditions with the annual "Run for the River"
fundraiser. The event consists of running the football 74 miles
between Athens and Atlanta before the UGA vs. GT football game.
In 2006, Kappa Deuteron raised over $17,000.
The
purpose of this great event is now to raise money for Children's
Miracle Network. CMN donates all of the money it raises directly
to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, formally known as Scottish-Rite
and Egleston Hospitals. The reason for supporting CMN is that the
majority of the brothers in our chapter already support CMN through
the University's Dance Marathon. This
24-hour philanthropy event brings together University students,
faculty, and alumni to raise money for Children’s Healthcare
of Atlanta, formerly Egleston and Scottish Rite Children’s
Hospitals. In the past seven years, more than $630,000 has been
raised for these children to help ensure that they all receive medical
care regardless of their families’ ability to pay. In 2006, Kappa Deuteron was the most money than any fraternity on campus, earning them the "Solid Gold Cup."
Donations of
any amount can be sent to the attention of Chris Kelley at:
Phi Gamma Delta
3 Cloverhurst Ct.
Athens, GA 30605
