Editor’s Note: this article is part of a series of contributed pieces from Joe Fetherling, member of Delta Upsilon fraternity and vice president of philanthropy for the Interfraternity Council. This series will highlight different philanthropies taking place in Iowa State’s sorority and fraternity community, as well as what philanthropy means to members of the community. 

The Iowa State sorority & fraternity community is comprised of 66 sorority and fraternity organizations. While each organization is unique with their own values and history, they are all unified under five community values:

• Academics
• Friendship
• Leadership
• Social Justice
• Civic Engagement

Civic engagement is defined by the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Engagement as “the development of responsibility to actively participate in your community.” This value is demonstrated each semester through philanthropic events. Each event makes an effort to fundraise and increase awareness for a selected charitable cause that can benefit a variety of people or our Ames community directly.

This month’s “Philanthropy of the Month” aims to create awareness to the great things happening in the Iowa State sorority and fraternity community that impact the world in a positive way. The method of doing this is to highlight a particularly exceptional philanthropic event each month. If an organization is interested, they are asked questions pertaining to how their overall event went, how it increased awareness for and impacted the chosen cause, as well as how it informed people as to “why” they should take action and support the cause.

The March Philanthropy of the month is Gamma Phi Beta’s Moonball event that occurred on March 4. The philanthropy fundraised for Girls on the Run by hosting a coed volleyball tournament. Teams of six to 10 people competed in a single elimination volleyball tournament where registration fees went toward supporting their cause. In addition to fundraising for Girls on the Run, Gamma Phi Beta educated attendees on where exactly their donations were going as well as why their contributions are important.

Gamma Phi Beta- Girls on the Run

Girls on the Run is a transformational learning program for girls ages eight to 13 that teaches life skills through dynamic, conversation-based lessons and running games. The program culminates with the girls being physically and emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5k running event. The goal of the program is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun curriculum that integrates running. The Iowa State chapter of Gamma Phi Beta started its own Girls on the Run chapter at Fellows Elementary School in Ames this past year.

“Our philanthropy is one of the reasons why I was drawn to Gamma Phi Beta. Our sorority can all relate to being young girls, and mentorship is so important. I’m proud to be a part of this organization, and what better way to raise some money than with a little healthy volleyball competition,” said Gamma Phi Beta President Elizabeth Sesker.

This year’s Moonball event raised over $2,000, and 100 percent of the funds raised go to Girls on The Run International. An investment in Girls on the Run supports curriculum enrichment & development so that lessons remain relevant to today’s girls and the issues they face. Additionally, the funds go towards training coaches and furthers a commitment to access & inclusion in order for all girls to have the opportunity to understand and activate their limitless potential.

“Our sorority mission statement is ‘Empowered women empowering women,’” Sesker said. “ We believe that empowering women starts at a young age and that this program caters to girls at a vulnerable time in their lives where they get the skills and confidence to live as strong girls and foster healthy relationships. This helps us build strong girls that turn into wonderful women. We feel privileged to be able to support this cause and live out our values in a practical way and for a cause that each and every one of us women feels passionate about.”

Upcoming Events:

Alpha Tau Omega – Donut Let Love Hurt

8 a.m. on April 2

Library Free Speech Zone

ACCESS

Delta Phi Lambda & Pi Alpha Phi

Spring Roll Philanthropy

8 p.m. on April 2

St. John’s by the Campus

Mansoon Asian Women in Iowa

Delta Zeta

DZ Dogs

7 p.m. on April 5

2138 Sunset Dr.

Starkey Hearing Foundation

Kappa Delta

Kappa Delta Shakes

4:30 p.m. on April 10

2102 Sunset Dr.

PCAA & PCAI: Prevent Child Abuse America & Iowa

Alpha Gamma Rho

Alpha Gamma Rhodown

5:30 p.m. on April 10

201 Gray Ave

American Cancer Society

Delta Chi

Dunk-a-Chi

5:30 p.m. on April 11

325 Welch Ave

Jimmy V Foundation for Cancer Research

Kappa Alpha Theta

Cookout for CASA

6 p.m. on April 11

2239 Knapp St.

CASA: Court Appointed Special Advocates

Tau Kappa Epsilon & Delta Delta Delta

Mac Attack

5 p.m. on April 12

302 Ash Ave

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Beta Sigma Psi

Sunset Cookout

5 p.m. on April 12

2132 Sunset Dr.

Puppy Jake Foundation

Sigma Lambda Gamma

Rent a Puppy

Noon on April 12

South Campanile Lawn

Local animal shelters

Kappa Kappa Gamma

Kappa Kakes

2 p.m. on April 15

120 Lynn Ave

Iowa State Dance Marathon