Look for Phi Theta Phi alumni walkers, left to right: Ben Burk, Justin Hewitt (and son, Marshal), Zach Goodwin, Todd Pilipovich, Justin Pickens and John Tortorea
When members of Thiel College’s Phi Theta Phi fraternity first hiked from the Greenville campus to Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh 40 years ago, they started a tradition that has raised more than $1.1 million for the Free Care Fund. The annual two-day, 100-mile trek is sponsored by Phi Theta Phi Alumni and the Phi Theta Phi Charitable Foundation (the fraternity folded in 2003). This year, the walk will take place December 5 and 6. “It’s turned into a lively, multicommunity affair,” says Todd Pilipovich, a 2000 Thiel graduate and now a recruiter for Youngstown State University. Volunteers know they can count on lunch at the Arnold Fire Hall and overnight lodging at Freeport’s Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, as well as frequent offers of coffee and food. “Everyone is so generous,” says Mr. Pilipovich, including a group of Grove City retirees, who donate proceeds from their annual rummage sale. Over the two days, volunteers also will be stationed with donation cups in Mercer, Grove City, Slippery Rock, Butler, Natrona Heights, Oakmont and New Kensington.