By College Panhellenic Council || Contributing Writer
Philanthropy has always been an integral part of what makes sorority life a rewarding experience. Whether in the form of traditional community service or campus-based/community-wide efforts to raise funds in support a local or national philanthropy partner, philanthropy within sorority organizations allows sorority women to learn and engage with the world of giving while also gaining the opportunity to become more aware of their surroundings and become exposed to the Lancaster community.
Sorority life is a great opportunity for college students to not only learn more about service but also partake in philanthropic work. Sororities are national women-organizations that allows college women to become part of a community that values sisterhood, leadership, academics, and service. Each sorority organization works with a national philanthropy to support their respective causes. These efforts include a variety of fundraising endeavors such as volunteering for these organizations, collaborations with local businesses, as well as working with the people directly impacted by the philanthropy’s efforts. Through the sorority experience, college women are given the opportunity to engage in service and develop a passion for giving.
When asked what service means to them, the Philanthropy Chair of Alpha Delta Pi described
“service [as] something that is more than just a word or an action, it is a part of us as a chapter. We are women who are committed to making ourselves and the world a better place. We believe that service can occur in small actions every day that make a large impact overall.”
A sister of Alpha Phi describes her experience with the Lancaster community as an added bonus to being able to contribute to the community. She explains that “members of Alpha Phi get together as a chapter numerous times throughout the semester to dedicate our time to helping programs around Lancaster like the Mix at Arbor, Milagro House, and Country Meadows. It is a great way to get to know the community while also helping the greater good.”
In addition to impacting the community, philanthropy also provides sorority women with opportunities of self-empowerment.
“Both of our philanthropies inspire me to be a more confident and compassionate person, and I’m very lucky to be able to work so closely with the organizations that my chapter supports,” explains the Vice President of Community Service of Kappa Delta.
Each semester, sorority organizations host multiple events to raise money for their philanthropy efforts. Here is a summary of the 2017-2018 philanthropic events!
Summary of F&M’s 2017-2018 Philanthropic Efforts:
Alpha Delta Pi
National Philanthropic Organization: Ronald McDonald House
Fall 2017 Events: The Mane Event: raised $150 / Pop-Up Shop
Spring 2018 Events: Set, Spike, Service (in collaboration with Phi Kappa Tau): raised $1,200 / Pop Tab War / Pop-up shop
Alpha Phi
National Philanthropic Organization: Alpha Phi Foundation / Local Cardiac Care
Fall 2017 Events: Mac N Phis: raised $2,500 / Heart Throb: raised $2,148
Spring 2018 Events: Red Dress Gala: raised $8,106
Alpha Xi Delta
National Philanthropic Organization: Autism Speaks
Fall 2017 Events: Fest-xi-Fall, Xiti with the Xis
Spring 2018 Events: Sweet Treats with the Xis, Chipotle Fundraiser, Field FrenXi, Autism Speaks Walk: Raised a total of $6,500
Chi Omega
National Philanthropic Organization: Make-A-Wish Foundation
Fall 2017 Events: Chi-omegathon, Bake-a-Wish
Spring 2018 Events: Dipsync, Bake-a-wish: Raised a total of $8,200
Kappa Delta
National Philanthropic Organization: Girl Scouts USA & Prevent Child Abuse America
Fall 2017 Events: Ban Bossy, IWFM Tabling, Shamrock Tabling, Pinwheels and Pancakes, International Girls Day
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For more information about sorority life at Franklin & Marshall College go to http://fandmsororitylife.com or contact the Panhellenic Council Vice President of Public Relations and Media Development at panhelmedia@gmail.com.
Photos Courtesy of College Panhellenic Council
