The word philanthropy has its roots in the Greek language meaning “love for mankind.” - Arthur C. Frantzreb
My sorority, Sigma Kappa, has five philanthropies including; Sigma Kappa Foundation, Inherit the Earth, Gerontology, Maine Sea Coast Mission, and Alzheimer's.
Sigma Kappa Foundation is for all members of Sigma Kappa throughout the United States. Each current member in the sorority donates $18.75 each year that is sent to our nationals. The money is used for any Sigma Kappa alumni who is in need of assistances. For example, during Hurricane Katrina, we were able to help an older alumni and her family financially after she lost her home during the disaster.
Inherit the Earth is a week where our sisters all work together to help our environment. During this week we pick up trash around campus, promote recycling, and plant trees around campus.
Maine Sea Coast Mission is where we help an island in Maine that is unable to get supplies during the winter due to the water freezing. During this time we collect and each donate products such as tissue paper, tooth paste, soap, can foods, etc.
Gerontology is the study of aging. Our main philanthropy is Alzheimer's. We participate every year in Memory Walk and Relay for Life. We also host a philanthropy event at our sorority house called Sigma Hold Em' where all the money raised is donated to Alzheimer's research. We invite all fraternity and sororities to play in a poker tournament where we have dealers, prizes, and hostesses providing food and drinks for the participants. Not only has this been a great success, it is also a blast!
"I place my bet against Alzheimer's"
During the football season we choose one home game where we "can". "Canning" is where we ask people if they would like to donate towards Alzheimer's. The best part of this is hearing people's personal experiences of the effects Alzheimer's has had on them and their families. I've had strangers cry and hug me, thanking me for what we are doing. It's such a touching experience knowing that you really are making a difference to someone.
Through our philanthropies Pat Summitt and Phillip Fulmer have played enormous roles. They both have participated in the Memory Walk and talked to our sorority thanking us for our hard work. Phillip Fulmer actually came to our sorority house for a cookout last year where we were able to talk to him one on one, take pictures, and receive autographs!
"Whether competing on the basketball court or against Alzheimer's disease, it takes teamwork to win. Teamwork allows common people to obtain uncommon results." -Pat Summitt
Not only do we participate in our philanthropies but we also participate and donate to every fraternity and sorority's philanthropy as well!
“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” Charles Dickens
As a UT student and a strong supporter of Pat Summitt, I highly recommend watching the following video on her fight against Alzheimer's. It shows the effect the disease has not only on her but our whole community. WE BACK PAT.
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