Phi Mu raised $14,434 during their annual Miracle Man philanthropy event Nov. 21 and donated the money to the Children’s Miracle Network at Christus Ochsner Hospital in Lake Charles. 

The Children’s Miracle Network is represented by CHRISTUS Ochsner Southwestern Louisiana Foundation. According to their website, the foundation raises money to create local miracles by funding advanced pediatric equipment and wellness education programs for the health and well-being of children in Southwest Louisiana. All local money raised for CMN stays in Southwest Louisiana. 

According to Phi Mu Philanthropy Chairwoman Ella Simon, Phi Mu’s annual Miracle Man philanthropy event this year had over 250 people in attendance.

Simon said Miracle Man has been a Phi Mu tradition for many years but was only introduced in McNeese recently. 

It is a male pageant in which the contestants compete in three rounds: an introduction and walk, a talent segment, and a question round. Contestants are competing for the title of “Miracle Man,” which is given to the person who raises the most for the Children’s Miracle Network, and the title of “Man of the Year,” given to the person with the highest scores from the judges.  

“This event is important because it not only raises money for the Children’s Miracle Network at our local Christus Ochsner’s Hospital, but it also gets our community involved,” Simon said. 

Phi Mu President Maci Stringer said Miracle Man is an opportunity to give back and learn about philanthropy. 

“This is my favorite part of being in Phi Mu,” Stringer said. “Being the president, I gained a different perspective on philanthropy and more specifically on Miracle Man. I got to see our community and fellow Greek life come together to support us in raising money for the Children’s Miracle Network. It was such a beautiful thing to see, and I am so grateful for the memories and opportunities that came along with it.”