The president and CEO of the Make-a-Wish Foundation of America, David Williams, thanked the women of the UA chapter of the Chi Omega sorority for their service and fundraising late Tuesday.

Williams spoke on campus at the Chi Omega chapter house to an audience of more than 50 Chi Omega sisters.

It was the first time as CEO that Williams spoke to an individual Chi Omega chapter about the foundation.

Sisters crowded on the common room floor in order to see the CEO’s presentation after exceeding seating capacity.

“”It’s an honor,”” said Nicole Tolhurst, Chi Omega philanthropy chairwoman. “”It’s a national sorority and he’s speaking to us out of everybody.””

Chi Omega donates all the money they make in fundraising events to the Make-a-Wish Foundation, Tolhurst said.

At the UA, the Zeta Beta chapter of Chi Omega holds two major fundraising events each year, a concert in the fall and a football tournament in the spring.

Members of the UA Chi Omega chapter have an annual goal to try and raise at least $5,000 for the foundation, Tolhurst said.

Alyssa Mccutcheon, former Chi Omega president and philanthropy chairwoman, said she was happy to see that Chi Omega’s actions being recognized on a larger scale.

“”Chi Omega is a great group,”” Williams said. “”We’re very fortunate to get their help.””

Since partnering with the Make-a-Wish Foundation in 2002, the national Chi Omega sorority has raised about $1 million each year, Williams said.

Nationally, Chi Omega has volunteered over 440,000 hours for the foundation.

Williams emphasized the importance of Chi Omega’s contribution to the foundation, comparing the contributions of the sorority to Macy’s and other large corporations.

Williams spoke to the chapter casually, without a tie and with his sleeves rolled up, about the importance of service and working for the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Williams urged the sisters of Chi Omega to consider volunteering and even making a profession out of working in a non-profit organization.

“”Service can be part of a requirement for a school or organization and that’s fine,”” Williams said. “”I encourage service because it’s one of the greatest things you can do.””

About 25 Chi Omega alumnae work at the Make-a-Wish Foundation national headquarters and Williams said he always likes seeing Chi Omega members apply for internships and positions.

Williams’ presentation consisted of a video showing two “”wish stories,”” and he reflected on his time as CEO about the importance of the Make-a-Wish Foundation in children’s lives.

Williams said his favorite wish story he’s heard of is always the most recent one he’s heard of.

“”Hopefully they’ll be energized while they’re here,”” Williams said about the impact of his speech on the local chapter. “”You can make a difference just by being a neighbor.””

If students would like to help the Make-a-Wish Foundation and play some football, Chi Omega will be hosting the Chi O Kickoff Classic 2011 on Mar. 6 on the UA Mall, Tolhurst said.