Phi Mu fundraises over $5,000 for Miracle Man 2014

Photo by Jim Larrison, via flickr

Giselle Cancio/Staff Writer

A Dr. Seuss inspired night resulted in over $5,000 for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and a new Miracle Man for Phi Mu Fraternity.

“I know a lot of responsibilities and expectations come with the title, but my ultimate goal is to be a great representative for CMNH,” said Christian Tennant, Miracle Man 2014. “I wanted to be Miracle Man because to be successful and go places, you have to surround yourself with like-minded individuals who have the same goal.”

The pageant, which is now the sixth of its kind, had a Dr. Seuss theme which was voted on by the chapter.

“We voted on Dr. Seuss because it adhered to a kid friendly theme, and our philanthropy is for the kids.” Mariel Navarrete, vice president of external relations said. “We were able to incorporate a book drive into the event in which all books were Dr. Seuss and will be donated to Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.

Children’s Miracle Network Hospital is both the national and local philanthropy of Phi Mu. Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals began around 1983 and since then has raised over $4.7 billion for 170 children’s hospitals across the country.

According to CMNH, these donations have gone to support research and training, purchase equipment, and pay for uncompensated care, all in support of the mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible.

In 1983 Phi Mu Fraternity adopted CMNH as its national philanthropy and is the only sorority to be a corporate sponsor of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Since 1986 Phi Mu has raised over $8.5 million.

The local hospital in Miami is Miami Children’s and all proceeds from Miracle Man will be donated directly.

The planning for Miracle Man started at the beginning of the spring semester and the philanthropy committee worked diligently to have their ideas come to life.

Although Catherine Cruz, Phi Mu philanthropy chair, does not have a personal connection to CMNH, she was inspired to plan Miracle Man because she saw the potential in the chapter and in the event.

“I feel like Phi Mu helped make a difference in their lives and will continue to do so for others,” she said.

There were eleven participants, all of which raised money on their own and had others donate to their viewer’s choice jar. Nick Recuset from Sigma Chi Fraternity took home the viewer’s choice award.

Tennant wanted to run for Miracle man for multiple reasons. He wanted to do something to support a cause greater than himself and he wanted to seize the opportunity to push himself out of his comfort zone.

“I never would have thought that I had what it took to compete in something like Miracle Man, but I was highly encouraged by those close to me,” he said. “They told me that I would make a great representative for not only Phi Mu Fraternity, but also for their philanthropy, the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.”

There were no specific qualifications to apply for Miracle Man but the chapter did expect a candidate who truly cares for CMNH and not just run for the title.

“In a Miracle Man we expect unconditional support, good character and morals and overall someone we all feel is an exemplary representation of this chapter as well because not only is he the face of our philanthropy, but he is in a way a representation of Phi Mu here at FIU,” said Navarette.

 giselle.cancio@fiusm.com