Phi Delta Theta International Fraternity presented The ALS Association with a check for almost $70,000 to support the quest to find treatments and cure of the disease that took the life of their fraternal brother and baseball great, Lou Gehrig. The check was presented by Chris Lapple and Chris Brussalis of Phi Delta Theta’s General Council to Jane H. Gilbert, ALS Association President and CEO, during The Association’s annual Leadership Summit on Thursday, February 6 in San Diego, Calif. Brussalis also serves on The Association National Board of Trustees.
“The Phi Delta Theta Fraternity has been a strong national partner of The ALS Association by raising both funds and awareness about this dreadful disease,” said Gilbert. “The Association is proud to partner with the Fraternity in the fight against the disease that first took Lou Gehrig’s life and then his name.”
The funds were raised by Phi Delts who participated in the organization’s 2013 Iron Phi campaign. Another $5,168.96 was granted to The ALS Society of Canada, dollars raised by Canadian Iron Phi participants. Iron Phi participants compete in athletic events and raise money to further ALS research. Through this effort, Fraternity brothers honor Gehrig’s athletic prowess and “never give up” attitude. Iron Phi activities are open to both undergraduates and Fraternity alumni.
This year marks the 75th anniversary Gehrig’s famous “Luckiest Man” speech, where he announced his retirement from baseball after a remarkable career.
