Theta Chi Gamma Xi Chapter Renovation
If you're reading this page, there's a pretty good chance you are a Theta Chi, Gamma Xi chapter alum. Please read this in its entirety.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My name is John Blenio and I pledged the Theta Chi Gamma Xi chapter back in Spring of 1985.
The Gamma Xi house at 123 South 11th Street has been around for 52 years. During my most recent visit (maybe two years ago) I noticed that it pretty much looked the same (inside and out) as it did back in 1985. Sure, there have been a few minor changes and improvements done here and there, but overall not much has changed. It's virtually the same house.
And that's why I have created this campaign.
Remember all of those good times when you were there? Remember the amazing parties, the dinners with brothers, the Pledge Dance, Brown Helmut, IFC Football, the Boom Boom Room, and all of the laughs and memories we created from all of those experiences?
Well, I'm hoping we can track down as many of our Gamma Xi brothers as possible to donate to a fund to pay for much needed improvements to the house.
I recently had a discussion with the current Gamma Xi Alumni President, Micah Harrel. He and I joined Theta Chi around the same time in the mid '80's and hadn't seen each other for awhile. We caught up a bit on each others lives, and shared a few fond memories of being in the house back then. The discussion eventually led to the current state of the chapter.
There are many things that need to be done to bring the house up to a standard each and every one of us (alums) would want. At the moment, it is quite dilapitated.
Before his recent passing, our dearly departed and loved brother -- Anthony Ghiossi-- did a structural inspection on the house and found the house completely structurally sound, yet in need of some significant improvements:
~ New windows for the whole house
~ New bathrooms (when I walked in two years ago, the bathrooms were in terrible condition and I don't think much has changed)
~ A pretty significant plumbing renovation is needed.
~ A new roof
~ and a few more things I'm sure
The brotherhood is...of course...doing well and going strong. But, the house is obviously in need of repair.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Theta Chi gave us something that can never be taken away; life long friendships. Wouldn't it be great to give back?
Here is your chance.
I have created this GoFundMe campaign to hopefully generate the dollars needed to improve the condition of our old chapter house at 123 South 11th Street. If we can hit the $500,000 number, the house can be almost completely renovated. Is this number possible? I really don't know. What I do know is there are a lot of Gamma Xi alums throughout the United States and the world, and anything is possible.
Theta Chi Gamma Xi was a place we all had the pleasure of living for a brief, yet important time in our lives. I'm sure many of you reading this right now have many friends with whom you share a fraternal brotherhood and bond even to this day.
What better way to give back and say thanks, than by donating and contributing to the renovation of the house that served as the foundation for our life long friendships.
Thank you.
John Blenio
Theta Chi Gamma Xi Spring '85
