This is what philanthropy looks like: Philanthropy of the Month, Feb. 26, 2017

Chili Cook-Off in the Courtyard.JPG

Each year, the Iowa State sorority and fraternity community hosts philanthropic events that benefit a wide variety of charitable organizations. These events have a significant impact on our society as a whole and are very prevalent within the Iowa State community. Here are some events that have happened in the past:

This information was put together by members of the Iowa State sorority and fraternity community.

Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. | Acts for St. Jude

Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. held their organization’s annual Acts for St. Jude philanthropy event last year on Feb. 2. The event fundraised for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by hosting a talent show. The event allowed anyone to share their talent while the audience raised money through cash votes to determine the top three performances. In addition to this, various raffles were going on throughout the night to further encourage donations to St. Jude. As the first Latina sorority to partner up with St. Jude Children Research Hospital, the organization enjoys fundraising for the hospital. The success of this event raised $1,031 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as well as bringing the community together to support a great cause.

Alpha Tau Omega & Alpha Chi Omega | Desserts After Dark

Desserts after Dark was a collaborative philanthropy event between Alpha Tau Omega and Alpha Chi Omega which took place on Oct. 16, 2017. The two organizations put on the event to raise money as well as awareness for ACCESS of Ames. The philanthropy event consisted of various booths that held different desserts as well as speakers who educated guests about the different aspects of domestic and sexual assault awareness. While guests had the opportunity to learn more about domestic and sexual assault, they were simultaneously raising money for ACCESS. ACCESS stands for assault care center extending shelter & support. The mission statement for ACCESS is “To address the roots and impact of domestic and sexual violence through services that enhance safety, empower survivors, and promote understanding and social justice within our community.” Desserts after dark raised roughly $2,000 for the ACCESS organization of Ames.

Chi Omega | Chi-O Corndogs

Chi Omega held their annual philanthropy event: Chi-O Corndogs, last October to raise money for the Liz Kirke Foundation. Liz Kirke was a Chi Omega who was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension in 1985. After she passed away, the foundation was created in her name and provides a scholarship to an Iowa State design student each year! Chi Omega raised $4,605 last fall for the Liz Kirke Foundation by selling tickets to their Chi-O Corndogs event. The event included a photo booth, face-painting and other activities. Corndogs, chips and cotton candy were also served to guests. The money donated to the Liz Kirke Foundation helped to fund the scholarship to an Iowa State design student.

Alpha Delta Pi | Chili Cook-Off in the Courtyard

On Oct. 8, 2017, Alpha Delta Pi hosted their annual Chili Cook-Off in the Courtyard fall philanthropy. The Chili Cook-Off was provided by various chefs from different organizations in the sorority and fraternity community. Guests to the event enjoyed warm chili and delicious cornbread while fundraising for Ronald McDonald House Charities.

The money fundraised was sent specifically to the Omaha RMHC where funds are used to help lower the cost of living at the house for families. In addition, the funds raised also help to support the Alpha Delta Pi Foundation where the money is used to supply scholarships to Alpha Delta Pi members across the U.S. and Canada.

Phi Kappa Psi | Phi Psi Tie Dye

Phi Kappa Psi hosted their event Phi Psi Tie Dye, on Oct. 10, 2017. The philanthropy event raised $2,278 and donated 150 shirts that were tie dyed by guests for the Story County Chapter of the Boys and Girls Club of America. Attendees could either bring their own shirt and receive a discounted ticket price or pay a higher ticket price and have one provided for them for the tie dying. The event made a positive impact in terms of raising awareness and funds for the charitable cause as well as donating physical goods for the organization.

Upcoming Sorority & Fraternity Philanthropy Events:

Lambda Theta Alpha | Acts for St. Jude | March 3, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. | Memorial Union | St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Gamma Phi Beta | Moonball Event | March 4, 2018 at 4 p.m. | Lied Recreation Center | Girls on The Run

Alpha Sigma Kappa | ASKakes | March 5, 2018 at 9 a.m. | Carver, Hoover, Parks Library | Animal Rescue League of America

Sigma Kappa | Let’s Taco ‘Bout Alzheimer’s | March 20, 2018 at 5 p.m. | 233 Gray Ave | Alzheimer’s Association

Alpha Omicron Pi | Smoke out Arthritis | March 21, 2018 at 5 p.m. | 2007 Greeley St. | The Arthritis Position |

Phi Beta Chi | Beta Brunch | March 23, 2018 at 5 p.m. | Memorial Lutheran Church | Bethesda Lutheran Communities