Sophomore Britney Samuelson said she knows nothing about cooking for a huge group of people, so when she organized Delta House of Pancakes (DHOP), they ran out of food.

“We ran to the store and bought 18 cartons of 18 eggs each, which was a huge overestimation and we ended up taking around six dozen back,” she said.

But this experience was more than just learning about how to estimate on how many pancakes were needed to feed a crowd of 100 people. It was about giving back to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. Every year, Tri-Delta chapters from across the nation participate in DHOP to raise money for research at the hospital.

Nearly 100 people took over the Black Box Theatre to support their philanthropy event.

“It kind of brings a sense of unity, I think, to know that every single chapter does it, sophomore Kiley Murray, a member of Simpson’s Tri-Delta chapter, said. “It kind of instills more of our purpose with it.”

Samuelson said their purpose with DHOP on Sunday was to raise as much money as possible, knowing that every dollar makes a difference.  She visited the hospital and saw firsthand what the money helps with.

“I heard so many inspirational stories about how these parents thought their kids were going to die, but St. Jude totally turned everything around and saved their lives,” she said. “I know we’re a small school, but every dollar makes a difference.”

The money helps with living, medical expenses and other treatment options. Samuelson said the next goal for Tri-Delta chapters nationally is to raise $60 million in 10 years for a short-term living facility that can house families while they visit St. Jude.

This year, they raised nearly $500, which will increase once the rest of the ticket sale money comes in. With all members contributing to making the pancakes and seeing the outcome, Samuelson said it brings the meaning of helping others full circle.

“One of the things they have is a DHOP sign in St. Jude,” Samuelson said. “All the kids at St. Jude know what DHOP is and they know it’s a way we raise money for them so it’s really cool that we’re able to do that for them.”