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Chi Chapter House Fire
May 27th, 2008
Dear Grand Chapter of Phi Chi Medical Fraternity,
We are writing to inform you about the tragic three-alarm fire that occurred at the Chi Chapter of Phi Chi Medical Fraternity on Friday May 23rd, 2008. The Chi Chapter is located at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia and has been chartered for one hundred and five years. Fortunately, no one was hurt during the fire and everyone was rescued to safety, including our neighbors. The fire was devastating not only to our house but also to our spirits. Brothers stood in shock on the street as our beloved home burned into the night. Over one hundred local firemen were required to put out the blaze and the resulting destruction was significant. Several brothers lost all of their worldly possessions. The Jefferson community responded to our aide swiftly and selflessly. Every brother currently has temporary housing and some have already been given replacement study materials.
The future of our chapter and house remain unknown. In the aftermath of this tragedy we have started to investigate our options. We tirelessly search for ways to repair, or rebuild, our home. Because the event happened so recently we do not have the answers to many important questions. But, as we uncover more information we will be in close contact with you.
Given the strength of the national fraternity we felt it mandatory to alert you immediately about the events of this past weekend. We desperately plead for any and all support you can provide. The strength and resolve of our chapter’s brotherhood cannot be over-emphasized. Our brothers responded with courage and maturity despite being in the throes of intense medical education. It is clear that the fraternity is the number one priority for our brothers.
It is our desire to do everything in our power to keep the Chi chapter alive. We are currently exploring all financial possibilities to ensure that our chapter remains intact but are having great difficulty securing funds from insurance agencies. Be advised that we will notify you as soon as possible when we determine the estimate of our damages. There is a sincere concern that if we don’t receive substantial aid we could lose our home. It would truly be a tragedy for future Jefferson generations to miss out on such an amazing experience. We look forward to working alongside you as we embark upon this challenge of rebuilding the Phi Chi Medical Fraternity at Jefferson Medical College. With strong support and determination anything is possible, including keeping the 2009 Grand Chapter meeting in Philadelphia.
Fraternally,
Philip J. DiGiacomo III
Former Chi Chapter President
Jefferson class of 2008
For the latest information on the fire please visit the Chi Chapter's website.
Before the fire
After the fire
