Tech TKE chapter gears up for Sprint for St. Jude fundraiser

Never underestimate the power of brotherhood. At least not when talking about Tau Kappa Epsilon.

While attending the University of Toledo, Danny Thomas was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE). He went on to dream of a place where no child would be denied treatment for cancer based on their race, religion, or family’s ability to pay.

In 1962, the famous entertainer founded St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and 10 years later, his beloved fraternity pledged to support his efforts. It’s a vision his brothers continue to this day, including the Beta-Zeta Chapter at Louisiana Tech University.

As part of that vision, the local chapter is hosting its 2nd Annual Sprint for St. Jude fundraising event on Oct. 14, on the Louisiana Tech campus. Beginning at the Tech Student Center (Tonk), the 1-mile walk gets underway at 8 a.m. with the 5K Run starting at 8:30 a.m. For Frank Bennett, President of the Beta-Zeta Alumni Association and Board of Advisors with leadership roles across all TKE chapters in Louisiana, a “sprint” hints at the urgency behind the effort.

“What could be more urgent than ending cancer in our own backyard?” Bennett asked. “It is a driving motivation for TKE, our communities, and our world. Why not support an event helping families of children with cancer, many of whom live right next door to you.”

Registration and information for the event can be found at runsignup.com/Race/LA/Ruston/ SprintforStJudeRuston through Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. According to Trenton Storm, TKE Philanthropy Chairman, the community is a vital to the effort.

“Our mission is to bring our community together to help these children and their families,” Storm said. “Our sponsors help make this possible and with their help, we are hoping to reach our goal of $20,000. As our first philanthropic event of the year for St. Jude, we need the community to come out and help us reach our goal to end childhood cancer, once and for all. Even if you don’t want to run or walk, you can easily donate to St. Jude through the race registration portal.”

Last year, Beta-Zeta collected close to $60,000 in support of cancer research. As Bennett explained, the group’s inspiration hits close to home.

“Rob and Val Owens’ son, Brecken, ‘The Lion,’ is our No. 1 Little TKE and poster boy,” Bennett continued. “He defeated cancer at a fragile, young age and has become a beacon of hope and enduring spirit. We fight for kids just like Brecken to raise as much as we can every year to end this dreaded disease.”

Tau Kappa Epsilon prides itself on service before self and its commitment to St. Jude. The fraternity was founded at Louisiana Tech in 1947, and its goal has been to lead its members and students by encouraging campus involvement, philanthropy, and personal growth. NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw is the chapter’s most famous alumnus along with notable national alumni Ronald Reagan, Elvis Presley, Les Paul, and many more. The chapter recently moved into a new house and is anticipating another record-breaking year after being recognized for its accomplishments last year by the Grand Chapter in Indianapolis, Indiana.

“TKE is proud of the growth and development of the Beta-Zeta Chapter,” TKE CEO Donnie Aldrich said. “The hard work and dedication of volunteers and collegiate members has resulted in three consecutive Top TKE Awards. We are excited to see the future success of the chapter as they continue to pursue excellence.”