A small alumnae group can make a big difference.
Supporting Tri Delta's philanthropy doesn't have to end with one's collegiate career. Alumnae chapters have also been active in helping raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and one chapter proves even the smallest group can make a big difference.
The California Central Coast Alumnae Chapter recently held a Girls Night In (or rather "Day In") event where the sisters gathered at Linda Douglass' home in Cambria, Calif., to participate in a card-writing campaign for St. Jude.
Chapter president, Kathy Zack, Pittsburgh, says she originally requested only 50 cards from St. Jude because she didn't want to overwhelm the women; a very small chapter with only 20 members. California Central Coast typically has only 5-7 sisters attend any one event. "I was pleasantly surprised when the members were asking for more cards to send out to their family & friends for support of St. Jude," says Kathy. "Next year I will be requesting more cards for our group to complete."
The chapter's goal is to donate $1,000 to St. Jude this year, and the card-writing event was just one of the ways the chapter plans to raise funds. Previously, the chapter has donated items to the Cal Poly Tri Delta Chapter's auction which raises money for St. Jude. Kathy has also attended the function for the past two years to show her support by personally purchasing auction items.
According to Linda Douglass, Iowa, giving to St. Jude is one way for alumnae chapters to show the collegiate chapters that the alumnae support the same goal that they do. And California Central Coast's newest alumnae, who are transitioning from the collegiate world, are continuing their involvement in philanthropy and providing fresh insight for the chapter.
The sisters also realize the significance of alumnae participation in the quest for raising $15 million in 5 years for St. Jude, but each woman knows it takes both collegiate members and alumnae members to make the goal a reality.
"If you do not raise the bar, you will not extend your reach," Kathy says. "Tri Delta achieved their goal of $10 million in record time. Adding an event like Girls Night In with the alumnae chapters will help facilitate the goals of $15 million in 5 years because it increases the alumnae's ability to participate."
For more information on how your alumnae chapter can help raise funds to support St. Jude, contact stjude@trideltaeo.org
