February 10, 2015 marks the 5-year anniversary of the Iron Phi program. In 2010, Phi Delta Theta introduced the program to strengthen the Fraternity and the impact it has on the fight against Lou Gehrig’s disease through the fundraising and athletic efforts of its members. To become an Iron Phi, members of Phi Delta Theta (both undergraduates and alumni) must select an athletic endeavor of their choice, raise $1,000 through the Iron Phi website and accomplish the athletic endeavor itself.

Dollars raised by members of Phi Delta Theta’s members in the United States during their quest to become Iron Phis are shared equally between two charities: The ALS Association and the Phi Delta Theta Foundation. Dollars raised by members in Canada are shared equally between two charities: The ALS Society of Canada and the Canadian Phi Delta Theta Scholarship Foundation.

To date, 2,150 Phis have registered to become Iron Phis, 401 individuals have reached Iron Phis status and nearly $800,000 has been raised through the program.

Phi Delta Theta Foundation representatives Rich Fabritius and Mike Fimiani present a check for $90,523 to Lance Slaughter of The ALS Association.

On January 31, at the 2015 General Officers Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, the Phi Delta Foundation presented a check for $90,523.95 to Lance Slaughter, Chief Chapter Relations and Development Officer for The ALS Association. The check represented Iron Phi fundraising efforts during the 2014 calendar year by American participants. The funds granted will be added to previous year amounts in Phi Delta Theta’s research fund at The ALS Association that makes grants to scientists searching for an ALS cure.

Along with the check presentation, Senior Director of Engagement Steve Good and Lance Slaughter respectfully provided updates about the Iron Phi program and the incredible progress being made at The ALS Association following the mega-viral Ice Bucket Challenge in the late months of 2014.

The Phi Delta Theta Foundation also granted $7,025.51 to both The ALS Society of Canada and the Phi Delta Theta Canadian Foundation, dollars raised through the program in 2014 by Canadian participants. Finally, the Phi Delta Theta Foundation granted $90,523.95 to the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity to enhance its leadership development programming and the number of Phis who receive it. In total, $195,098.92 was granted from Iron Phi activity in 2014.

“We’ve made incredible strides to both strengthen Phi Delta Theta and the fight against Lou Gehrig’s disease through Iron Phi,” said Senior Director of Engagement Steve Good. “While we should celebrate our success, we won’t stop until a cure for ALS is discovered. We’re greatly encouraged by the monies that we have raised through Iron Phi, but we also realize the great potential that the program has. Looking at the big picture, .7% of the Fraternity’s living population has raised a dollar for Iron Phi, and they have raised close to $800,000. I look forward to the day when 5% or 10% of our population is participating in Iron Phi. The possibilities are endless!”

The Iron Phi program has set a $300,000 goal for 2015. Register today to begin your Iron Phi journey and join us in the fight against Lou Gehrig’s disease.