As a part of DEM’s goals of serving the community through health education and care, Delta Epsilon Mu formed a national philanthropic partnership with Dragonfly Forest. Dragonfly Forest is a nonprofit organization providing overnight camping experiences for children with autism and medical needs such as 22q deletion syndrome, hemophilia, sickle cell disease, and severe asthma. There is a specially trained medical staff available 24/7 that is well-equipped to deal with the challenges these children face daily, allowing them to take their mind off their medical needs and focus on having fun. Held in Chester County, Pennsylvania, Dragonfly Forest provides an environment for campers to develop their social skills, confidence, and independence. The camp’s primary goal is to help each child feel like a regular kid. Click here if you would like to find specific dates and rates for when this camp is happening.

 

Dragonfly Forest, Inc. was founded in 2002 and held their first camp in 2006. Since the Alpha Gamma Chapter of DEM was founded in the spring of 2015, members have raised over $6,000 for Dragonfly Forest. In 2016-2017, the Alpha Gamma Chapter was awarded Philanthropic Chapter of the Year by the Delta Epsilon Mu National Board of Directors. In the Fall of 2017, the Alpha Gamma Chapter hosted the first annual Day of DEM philanthropy event. Our chapter won Philanthropic Chapter of the Year for 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 for Day of the DEM.

 

The first annual Day of DEM philanthropy event was a large success. The Virginia Tech community came together to support Dragonfly Forest, a cause very close to our hearts. Featured activities at the event included pumpkin painting, a walking taco bar, acapella performances, and much more. Through hardworking leadership, committed members, and an extensive network throughout the Virginia Tech community, the Alpha Gamma Chapter continues to work hard to support Dragonfly Forest.

 

Please consider joining us for our next Day of DEM event, which will be held in Fall 2022. More details are to come, if interested please email the 2022 - 2023 Directors of Philanthropy. New participants and donations to help make our event a success are welcome.

 

dem.ag.philanthropy@gmail.com

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If interested in donating to our cause directly, simply visit the following website. Every dollar counts toward sending another deserving child to camp. We cannot tell you how much we appreciate your efforts!