National Philanthropy: The Hole in the Wall Gang Camps and The Painted Turtle Camp

The Phi Kappa Tau National philanthropy is an organization founded by alumnus Paul Newman (Ohio ‘43) called The Hole In The Wall Gang Camps...a group of 8 camps for critically ill children in the US, Ireland and France. The CSUF Chapter has “adopted” the “local” affiliate, The Painted Turtle Camp, located at Lake Hughes near Valencia. Painted Turtle was started by Paul Newman and Lou & Page Adler of Malibu CA. Lou is a record and movie producer, and has involved many entertainment industry friends in the Camp, including Jack Nicholson, Herb Alpert and others.  The Chapter has made many trips to Lake Hughes to volunteer at the Camp, which is scheduled to open in Fall 2003. In addition, the Chapter and it’s Alumni raise several thousand dollars each year for the Camp at Monte Carlo Night (Fall) and the Bachelor Auction (Spring) . More information is available at: www.thepaintedturtle.org

(The followng article appeared in the “Turtle Scoop” newsletter in June 2007:

GREEK BROTHERS AND SISTERS JOIN THE PAIINTED TURTLE FAMIILY

Spirited members of two national Greek organizations have chosen to offer great support to The Painted Turtle! The Phi Kappa Tau fraternity — who names Paul Newman among its alums — not only donated $20,000 to sponsor the camp's Staff and Volunteer Program, but a number of energetic collegiate members from around the country actively participated in summer and family sessions last year. Phi Tau brothers are encouraged to have real-life service experiences, learning the importance of community involvement. Campers, families and program staff all benefited from the more than 35 Phi Tau brothers and alum that joined us in that spirit at The Painted Turtle in 2006. What a wonderful celebration of the longstanding partnership that has grown and deepened between PKT and the camp over these past few years.  

The women of Delta Zeta sorority have also generously adopted The Painted Turtle as one of its national philanthropies, making an inspiring commitment to raise money and awareness to help support our program through chapter events planned this year. With over 200,000 active and alumnae members,  The Painted Turtle eagerly anticipates their support and involvement as volunteers as well. In this exciting new partnership, we even share an affection for the turtle. The DZ mascot challenges members saying, "She does not achieve unless she sticks her neck out!"

“Thank you SO much for all you [Phi Kappa Tau, So Calif] do... it has been so great to go through this process and have you guys with us from the beginning!!!

Page Adler, Founder

Members Meet Paul Newman at Painted Turtle Camp

On April 12, 2002, Chapter members Tom Tinker (Fall 96 and current Domain Director for So Calif area Chapters) and undergrad Ray Carlos (Sum 00) presented Paul Newman (Ohio, ‘43, who founded the Hole in The Wall Gang Camps)) with a Presidential Citation on behalf of Phi Kappa Tau’s National President at the Groundbreaking for the Painted Turtle Camp in Valencia. They also presented Brother Newman with a “Barn” golf shirt and baseball cap on behalf of Gamma Omicron chapter at CSUF. Camp Founder Page Adler hosted the event, which was attended by many camp supporters. Also on hand was James Cook (Spring 2002-Honorary), who is soon to become COO of Painted Turtle Camp...who also happens to be a “fishin’ buddy” of Newman’s (see picture below).

Honorary Member Initiated at 2002 West Coast Road Trip

Phi Kappa Tau Chapter’s from the Western US were represented athe annual West Coast Road Trip on Saturday March 9th, hosted this year by the Beta Psi Chapter at  CSU Long Beach. There were workshops on various fraternity topics o all day. Alumni led by Tom Tinker, Domain Director (pkt_dd@yahoo.com) helped mentor undergrads on subjects such as recruitment, finacial affairs, housing, risk managemnt, and philanthropy. A  highlight of the WCRT was the initiation of James Cook as our second  Honorary Initiate to our Fullerton chapter (the first was CSUF Dean Emeritus Ernest Becker in1966). Brother Cook, the Director of Development for Painted Turtle Camp, has attended many of our Phi Kappa Tau activities (Monte Carlo Night, CSUF 40th Anniversary Dinner), and has been our liason at the Camp in Valencia. He is a graduate of Harvard, has an MBA from UC Berkeley, and was an officer in the US Marine Corps. In the spirit of true brotherhood, we understand that he borrowed the Badge of Chapter Consultant Tim (“Lunchbox”) Hudson the day he was initiated...and Tim hasn’t seen it since! Mike Dovilla traveled from Washington DC to help at the event, and explained parts of the Ritual that even ‘Ol Timers never knew. Chapter members Eric Houchin, Ben Romero, Ray Carlos and Chris Delloyd from GO Chapter were among the 40+ undergrad attendees. Chapters from Chapman, Cal Poly Pomona, CSULB, Chico State, Idaho, Univ of Arizona and San Francisco State were in attendance. Over $850 was raised for the Painted Turtle Camp at the auction of T Shirts, hats and Phi Tau memoribilia.