Our Philanthropy
In 2022, we held the benefit on campus in Alumni Hall. Invites go out to our families, friends, alumni, and members of the Gustavus community. We were able to raise a total of $11,276.71 to the Pinky Swear Foundation. Our donation was also matched by Duke and Lisa Uihlein, totaling $22,553.42 to aid families who are affected by childhood cancer.
Mitch's Story
It all started with an amazing 9 year old boy and a pinky swear. Mitch Chepokas was a compassionate and caring boy who thought of others before himself. While Mitch was receiving treatment for bone cancer, he noticed that some of the other children around him did not have the same support system as his own. He decided to take it upon himself to help others by donating his life savings in an effort to help the children and their families around him. This small act of kindness brought on a pinky swear that would change the lives of many children living with cancer. Mitch made his father, Steve Chepokas, pinky swear to continue to help families fighting childhood cancer – forever.
Mitch passed away in the spring of 2003 and later that year Steve and Becky Chepokas kept the pinky promise alive by forming the Miracles of Mitch Foundation. Steve and Becky honored Mitch's wishes and helped families in Minnesota who had children battling cancer by providing financial and emotional support through various programs. Over the years the foundation has grown and in 2014 the foundation officially became the Pinky Swear Foundation when they expanded nationally to help children all across the country fighting cancer.
The Pinky Swear Foundation provides financial grants and family experience programs to relieve stress during their difficult time. In addition, Pinky Swear Youth Triathlons are hosted every summer in eleven different cities across the U.S. where kids aged 6-18 fundraise and race in a triathlon to raise money for children fighting cancer. Pinky Swear also hosts major fundraising events throughout the year including Perks Mess Fest, Pinky Swear Shoot, and New Year's Eve Celebration.
In 2007, Theta Xi Gamma officially adopted the Pinky Swear Foundation as their philanthropy and is honored to support them in their mission to support families who have been affected by childhood cancer. Each year, Theta Xi Gamma hosts their annual Pinky Swear Silent Auction and Benefit Dinner held at the Hilton MSP Airport Hotel and volunteer every summer at the Pinky Swear Kids Triathlon. If you would like to donate or find out more about the Pinky Swear Foundation please visit their website.
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