Kappa Alpha Psi dedication

(From left) Richard Lee Snow, executive director/COO of Kappa Alpha
Psi Fraternity, Bishop Eddie L. Long and Dwayne M. Murray, Esq., grand
polemarch of Kappa Alpha Psi, with commemorative plaque presented
to Kappa Alpha Psi.

 

On May 18, Kappa Alpha Psi’s Sunday of Hope™ turned in to a Celebration of Hope at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

Members of Kappa Alpha Psi and top fundraising churches joined St. Jude families for a special ceremony where Kappa Alpha Psi was presented with a commemorative plaque in the Patient Care Center, recognizing the organization’s dedication and commitment to helping in the fight against childhood cancer, sickle cell and other catastrophic diseases through its Sunday of Hope campaign.

“Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity recognizes that St. Jude epitomizes achievement in medical research ensuring that children with catastrophic diseases will have a better chance at survival and success,” said Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated Grand Polemarch Dwayne M. Murray, Esq. “We want our fraternity to be part of the journey that helps realize St. Jude founder Danny Thomas’ dream that ‘no child should die in the dawn of life.’”

In the Sunday of Hope program, Kappa members partner with churches in their community to ask for their support for St. Jude. During one select worship service, Kappa Alpha Psi members address their congregation and ask for a special offering for St. Jude. All funds raised are donated to St. Jude.

This year, more than 170 churches participated, raising more than $364,000. The total brings Kappa Alpha Psi’s fundraising to $750,000 since the organization partnered with St. Jude in 2005. The total is the largest contribution Kappa Alpha Psi has ever donated to charity.

During the presentation ceremony, Murray told attendees that he wants Kappa Alpha Psi to “wake up this country,” and called on his fellow Kappa brothers to “create inspiration and answer the call to service.”

Also speaking was fellow Kappa Alpha Psi member and nationally recognized clergy Bishop Eddie L. Long of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, who delivered an inspirational message that encouraged attendees to never give up hope in the fight against childhood cancer and other diseases. 

“I understand why our fraternity has committed itself to St. Jude,” he said, following his tour of the hospital. “And I commit to telling all the churches I know around the country and around the world about St. Jude.”

Long invoked the name of basketball great Bill Russell. “He kept a saying in his locker,” Long said. “It read: The game is scheduled. I must play it, so I may as well win. For these children at St. Jude, life is scheduled. They have to play it. And with Kappa Alpha Psi’s help, they are going to win.”

In 2008, Kappa Alpha Psi was also recognized as the Volunteer Group of the Year for its efforts in the inaugural year of the Sunday of Hope program.

“On behalf of our patients and families, I want to congratulate this amazing group for their accomplishment of fulfilling their $500,000 pledge in honor of the children of St. Jude,” said David L. McKee, chief operating officer and interim CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising organization of St. Jude. “We are so grateful for the support of Kappa Alpha Psi and for the research and treatment that this generous gift will help provide to children battling sickle cell disease and other deadly diseases.”

 

May 2009

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