Mercer's chapter of Phi Mu hosted its annual charity concert, Bonnamu, to raise funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals on Wednesday, Oct. 29 at the Society Garden. The Miracle Network provides funding for around 170 children’s hospitals to assist life-saving treatments, research and financial assistance for patients’ families.
Phi Mu’s Philanthropy Chairwoman Abi Surrat ‘26 said that the event raised more than $3,000 in ticket sales, and all proceeds will go directly to the Miracle Network, including to Macon’s Atrium Health Navicent Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital, a top children’s hospital in Middle and south Georgia.
“We always get such a big outreach across the entire campus and the Macon community,” said Phi Mu President Mekenah Dill ‘26. “They don’t have to support our philanthropy, but they still choose to, and it’s just very rewarding.”
Local families who received care through CMNH attended the event, including 2025 Middle Georgia Miracle Network Champion Spencer Nichols, 15, who lives with Down syndrome and type 1 diabetes.
Spencer, who appears on posters at Publix stores, said he is often recognized by and receives praise from the Macon community. He participates in events for the Miracle Network throughout the year.
“I went to college myself, and we didn’t make this big of an impact in the community and children’s lives,” Pam Nichols, Spencer’s mother, said. “I really applaud the sorority for keeping this effort going. It’s just awesome that they’re able to get so much participation and support.”
Chloé Gerard ‘26, who is Phi Mu’s membership director, was the childhood babysitter for Spencer and his brother, Chip. Gerard performed as the concert’s opening act, something that she has done multiple times during her time at Mercer.
“I thought it was so amazing that she offered it up, and I was like ‘Absolutely,”’ Surratt said. “She has an amazing voice. We were so excited to be here and support her.”
The concert was headlined by Ashes, led by Lewis Ashe '23, a Mercer Alpha Tau Omega alumnus and an academic advisor for the University. Hundreds of people surrounded the stage in the muddy gravel, roasting marshmallows.
Nathaniel Jordan '29 intends to major in Journalism at Mercer and hopes to work as an investigative journalist. His hobbies include poetry, photography and home cooking, and you can probably find him around Macon shopping or walking through local parks with his wife and son.
