Sorority chapters compete to raise funds for student life initiatives
Joining together for a good cause is something that sorority members at Kansas State University know well. Each year, sororities support their individual philanthropic causes by raising awareness, donating and volunteering their time. Recognizing this potential, the Parents and Family Program (PFP) introduced Love a Wildcat — a 24-hour donation competition where participating sorority chapters raise money for student life initiatives.
Because COVID-19 hindered the ability to raise funds for the Parents and Family Fund during Family Day, Anne DeLuca, director of the Parents and Family Program, brainstormed ideas on how to gather donations in a different way. Anne was inspired by K-State sororities’ great potential for outreach and passion for fundraising and knew she wanted to partner with them.
Through an entirely virtual format, Love a Wildcat tapped into social media and digital donations to raise more than $7,000. Throughout the day, sorority members reached out to friends and family to invite donations and help their chapter contribute the most.
Gamma Phi Beta ultimately won the competition after pulling ahead early in the day. Gamma Phi Beta was named Parents and Family Program Sorority of the Year and will be celebrated at the Division of Student Life awards. Natalie Clark, philanthropy chair for Gamma Phi Beta, said that she hopes this money helps fellow Wildcats who need assistance.
“We were definitely motivated by the opportunity to help others! Our house does really love a competition, but ultimately we are passionate about philanthropy.” said Natalie. “We commit to philanthropy because we connect with it. We have a lot of girls with many different backgrounds in our house, and I think there is at least one Gamma Phi with a heart for every cause.”
After exploring where the donations could best support students, the PFP allocated some of the contributions from Love a Wildcat to Lafene Health Center to create incentives for student COVID-19 vaccinations. While watching the competition unfold was full of excitement, Anne said that one of the best parts of this new fundraiser was getting to know each of the participating sororities and seeing their passion for supporting other students.
“While I think people are motivated by competition, I got the strong sense that these young women were more motivated because they wanted to help,” said Anne. “They all felt like they could fundraise because they knew it was for K-State and it was for helping other students.”
Following the successes of the Love a Wildcat fundraiser, the Parents and Family Program will host a fraternity challenge called #FratsForCats on April 22, 2021. By sharing in the fraternity and sorority community’s passion for helping others, the Parents and Family Program has found a way to continue to unconditionally support Wildcats.
To the donors and sorority members that participated, Anne says, “Thank you so much. I know how easy it is to scroll past a request like that. Sharing your hard-earned money with K-State students is remarkable and is taking care of the K-State family.”
Written by: Ariana Brancato
