First Thursdays, Full Hearts: Metro Detroit Phis Make Holiday Impact
First Thursdays with the Phis continues to be a powerful example of how Phi Delta Theta alumni practice lifelong engagement. Held in over sixty cities across North America, First Thursdays brings brothers together at local restaurants to strengthen bonds of Friendship, foster continued involvement in the Fraternity, and celebrate the enduring brotherhood that unites Phis across generations. Through fellowship and service, these gatherings also reflect the principle of Rectitude, as alumni come together not only to reconnect, but to give back and make a positive impact in their communities.
On Thursday, December 4, the Phi Delta Theta Alumni Club of Metro Detroit combined their regularly scheduled First Thursday gathering with their 11th Annual Holiday Social and Toys-for-Tots Fundraiser, hosting the event at Brown Iron Brewhouse in Royal Oak, Michigan.
Approximately fifty brothers from across the country who now live in the Metro Detroit area gathered for a BBQ buffet dinner and evening of fellowship. The event featured a silent auction with items donated by members, along with a toy drive supporting Toys-for-Tots. Collection boxes were also left at Brown Iron Brewhouse for three weeks, allowing members of the public to contribute alongside Phi Delts.
The results were remarkable. The toy collection was so large it overflowed the truck bed of Brother John Brundage, the club’s treasurer and donation coordinator. In addition, the fundraiser generated $3,750 in cash donations to Toys-for-Tots, helping offset transportation and operational costs critical to the organization’s mission. Over the past eleven years, the Metro Detroit Alumni Club has contributed more than $30,000 and hundreds, if not thousands, of toys to the program.
This year, the local Toys-for-Tots mission supported over 600 families, providing a brighter Christmas for children in the community. In recognition of their continued commitment, the Alumni Club of Metro Detroit was once again presented with the Commander’s Award for Outstanding Support.
This longstanding First Thursday tradition is just one example of how Phi Delta Theta alumni live our values beyond the undergraduate experience. Through fellowship, service, and shared purpose, events like this showcase the enduring strength of brotherhood.
