Philanthropy is the act of intending to promote human welfare through donations or charitable aid, and it is the main contribution that many Greek organizations give to the community. These organizations hold philanthropy as a major priority and participate in generous events several times per semester. Though the Greek community does participate in social events and provides an easy way to make friends, these organizations are devoted to their philanthropies and have been since they were initially created for helping others.
Every fraternity or sorority has a certain philanthropy, as follows: Alpha Chi Omega’s philanthropy is “Supporting victims of domestic Violence.” This semester they currently are raising money by having a “Candy-Gram” sale in which students can buy candy and have it delivered to a friend. They are planning a trip to REACH (Refuge, Education, Advocacy, Change) and doing yard work to support women, men and children suffering from domestic violence. Also, they are collecting items to be sold at yard sales to raise money. These are only a few events they are conducting themselves, not to mention their plan to collaborate with other organizations in the Tuck River Cleanup, Relay for Life, and Sigma Chi’s annual “Derby Days” and Lambda Chi Alpha’s annual “Watermelon Bust” that supports their philanthropies.
Alpha Chi Omega’s newest VP of Philanthropy, Billie Jeanne Curns, says, “giving back to the community is an important part of my life, so it makes it better to be part of an organization that feels the same way as me. I am proud of all my sisters and all they do to make the community a better place.”
She feels that being involved in a philanthropic organization helps members develop into better people.
Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity supports The American Red Cross, where they help in raising and donating blood, and Families of Fallen Soldiers, in which they raise money to provide financial support to those families. They recently hosted a “Breakfast With Santa” that gave children of REACH a Christmas where they provided food and presents for the kids and families at no cost to them. Several other organizations such as Phi Mu, Alpha Xi Delta, Alpha Chi Omega, and Alpha Gamma Delta also helped in the event. Delta Sigma Phi is planning a “Downhill Derby” in April.
Richard Huffman, a brother of Delta Sigma Phi, loves being involved with his fraternity because it provides him with the feeling of brotherhood and the satisfaction of knowing he makes a difference in the community.