Phi Alpha Delta Aids Philadelphia Non Profit
September 20, 2008 — It wasn’t exactly “Extreme Makeover,” but the stables used by the non-profit Bill Pickett Riding Academy in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park got a much needed clean-up, courtesy of Earle Mack School of Law students.
On a Saturday morning that practically whispered “stay in bed,” more than two dozen students rose early to clean and paint stables, refurbish saddles, cut grass and otherwise tidy up facilities the academy uses in its work with Philadelphia youth.
The cleaning crew were members of Phi Alpha Delta, a law school fraternity that emphasizes professional responsibility and community service.
The four-hour clean-up marked the first service project undertaken by the newly formed chapter of Phi Alpha Delta.
“It’s a wonderful program,” 2L Lauren Murphy said of the riding academy, which serves Philadelphia children between the ages of 7 and 17.
Murphy, an officer of the fraternity chapter who began riding horses at age 6, said children gain many benefits from caring for and interacting with the animals.
“It gives them confidence and responsibility,” Murphy said.
Phi Alpha Delta officer Tabitha Kennedy said she was pleasantly surprised by the number of classmates who felt the tug of responsibility to clean up stables on a morning when they could have relaxed.
“It was so neat to see what you could do in four hours,” Kennedy added.
Isaac Johnstone, the founder and president of the riding academy, said volunteers come and go but that the Drexel students channeled their energy and good will so effectively.
“What really impressed me was how well-organized they were,” Johnstone said. “It’s 1,000 times better.”
Given the charitable organization’s need to raise funds, Johnstone said, improving the stables’ image is no small thing.
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