Charlie Woodring of Arizona Alpha at the University of Arizona was identified by his chapter as a main driver behind the chapter’s effort to raise $31,233.50 and become an Iron Phi Chapter for the second consecutive year. Arizona Alpha also earned its second Triple Crown Award from the Live Like Lou Foundation, rewarding chapters that accomplish three things during a school year:
- Register to serve an ALS family
- Raise over $444 through a Live Like Lou philanthropy event, and
- Become an Iron Phi Chapter by raising $10,000+ through its Iron Phi participants
In this feature, Brother Woodring shares insights from his Iron Phi experience that helped him lead his chapter to success.
What Phi Delt chapter officer positions have you held?
Philanthropy chairman
Approximately what percentage of your chapter was engaged with Iron Phi this past year?
90%
What specific tactics did you use to motivate others to register for Iron Phi and begin their effort?
One of the best ways we encourage involvement is by emphasizing the importance of Iron Phi during Phikeia education, as this period is one of the best opportunities to learn about the values of the Fraternity. I also set up chapter-wide fundraisers and community service events to motivate the brothers to raise money for our great cause.
For the individuals who had the most Iron Phi success, what common things did you see them do?
Motivation by fellow brothers who are Iron Phis is one of the best ways to help others reach the Iron Phi goal. It helps greatly to learn about and execute the most effective fundraising tips and tricks.
What other chapter benefits did you see that may have stemmed from a number of people succeeding with Iron Phi?
An overall connection to our philanthropic cause is one of the best benefits that comes from our partnership and overall success with Iron Phi. There is drive and motivation to become a member of the Iron Phi community that pushes individuals to raise money for our great cause.
What would you tell individuals or chapters who are worried about the fundraising component of becoming an Iron Phi or Iron Phi Chapter?
There is no shame in being worried about the fundraising. Awareness of ALS that a participant spreads throughout his fundraising process is very valuable, no matter how much money is raised.
What has surprised you most about your chapter’s Iron Phi success?
The sense of community that has been created within the Arizona Alpha Chapter through Iron Phi. We have new members becoming Iron Phis at a fast pace, and that stems from the great morale and brotherly connection that comes from becoming an Iron Phi.
What personal lessons have you learned from your Iron Phi experience?
One of the best lessons I have learned from the Iron Phi experience is how great achievements can be accomplished when people work together. An individual raising $1,000 for the ALS cause is amazing but having twenty brothers raise $20,000 is even more incredible to help families in need.
If members from your chapter have served an ALS family, what benefits have you seen from this service?
In recent years, members from the Arizona Alpha Chapter have served a number of ALS families. One of the best benefits I have heard from these experiences is the camaraderie that is created between the brothers and families as they serve. This camaraderie makes the tasks at hand feel easy to complete as we’re lending a helping hand to those we care about.
To become an Iron Phi, visit www.ironphi.org to begin your journey.
