The Oxford English Dictionary defines kindness as “the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.” It often shows up in small ways like holding open a door, offering a smile or lending a hand. Those moments matter.
But the type of kindness that changes lives goes further. It is intentional, sustained and rooted in action. It is the choice to show up continuously, to commit and to serve with purpose.
For Tri Delta, kindness is not a trend or a moment. It is a value that has guided our organization for generations and continues to shape how we lead, serve and give back for a lifetime.
Service is one of Tri Delta’s core values, and it is lived out through our ongoing commitment to fighting childhood cancer, including our partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Our relationship reflects a shared belief that kindness, when paired with action, can make a lasting difference for children and families facing childhood cancer.
This is why Tri Delta is proud to be named St. Jude’s Official Partner of Kindness.
“Tri Delta’s partnership with St. Jude truly reflects our value of self-sacrifice. Tri Deltas everywhere come together to support St. Jude’s mission to end childhood cancer, showing the strength of what we can accomplish collectively. Our members give their time, talent, treasure and testimony, bringing both resources and heart to this cause. With more than $100 million raised, that commitment is clear. United as sisters, Tri Deltas are making a meaningful and lasting impact on the world.” —Meredith Davies, Rhodes, Brand Support Manager, Partnerships
Our commitment to fighting childhood cancer, however, began long before this partnership officially took shape. In 1947, 13 alumnae chapters in Southern California organized a Sleighbell Luncheon to fund childhood cancer research at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. That spirit of generosity grew into a defining mission, and in 1974, Tri Delta formally adopted childhood cancer as our philanthropic focus.
Summer 1979 issue of The Trident:
Bryan-College Station, Texas, alumnae carrying in pots of poinsettias for guests to select at the Poinsettia Pickup Coffee in the home of Keith German Halsell, center, are Netti Woodson Yager, left, and Jan Givens Denton, right, all Texas.
That legacy of service continues today, and in 2025, Tri Delta members gave us plenty to celebrate.
A Year of Impact: 2025 Highlights
In 2025, Tri Deltas across the country rallied together to support St. Jude’s mission, raising an astonishing $6,588,355.31!
Much of this impact was driven by Tri Delta’s signature fundraising efforts, including:
- Sincerely Yours—our letter writing and fundraising campaign that connects personal stories with purpose—raised more than $1.4 million!
- Delta House of Pancakes (DHOP) events hosted by collegiate chapters nationwide.
- Tri Delta teams participate in St. Jude Walk/Run events each fall. Recognizing our top Walk team for 2025: Naples Area Alumnae (led by Dotti Ann Keagy, Illinois), with more than $25,000 raised.
- Creative chapter-led philanthropy events and campus partnerships that raise both funds and awareness.
Lofty Goals
Having lofty goals is more than a fundraising milestone. It is a promise carried forward by today’s collegiate and alumnae members, linking generations of service to a shared future of impact.
Our value of self-sacrifice has inspired us to raise an astounding $100 million since 1999, making us true leaders in the realm of philanthropy. Looking ahead, we have now set our sights on reaching a total of $185 million by 2038—150 years after our founding. In recognition of our newest commitment, Tri Delta Place will continue to welcome St. Jude patient families as a short-term home-away-from-home on the St. Jude campus.
Top Fundraising Chapters of 2025
Centre ($32,000)
Mississippi ($385,000)
North Carolina (85,000)
Mississippi State ($187,000)
Cornell ($44,000)
Winners in all 5 categories: Silver, Green, Gold, Bronze and Blue
As we celebrate kindness and our dedication to St. Jude and their mission, we are reminded that a single year, event or statistic does not define this partnership. It is defined by decades of commitment, by members (collegiate and alumnae alike) who lead with service and according to a shared belief that kindness, sustained over time, can change lives.
Tri Delta’s legacy of service continues to grow and as we look ahead, we do so with pride, purpose and continued commitment to the children and families of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.