Philanthropy
The sisters of Sigma Kappa
support three nationally recognized philanthropic causes. Every
spring
semester the Theta Delta's host a philanthropy event in which other
Greek
and student organizations, fellow students, University of Delaware
faculty, and the local Newark community are invited to participate. All
proceeds from such evernts are donated
to each of our causes. Past events include a 3-On-3 Basketball
Tournament, a "Chances for Cures" raffle, and a "Beauty & the
Greek" contest.
In 1954
Sigma Kappa became the first national sorority to recognize
the need for continued, comprehensive work on the study of aging and
the needs of elderly populations. Collegiate and alumnae members
throughout the country volunteer their time and talent in support of
numerous projects to assist and benefit the elderly. The members of the
Theta Delta chapter volunteer at the local nursing home, Newark Manor,
to spend quality time with residence by playing bingo and watching
movies with them. We also annually make Thanksgiving cards and send
them to the Newark Manor residents to brighten their holidays.
In 1984 Sigma Kappa responded to an increasingly critical problem
facing older Americans by adding Alzheimer's Disease research and
education to its philanthrop activities. Research grants are made each
year to universities and other institutions actively engaged in the
fight against Alzheimer's Disease. Every fall our chapter participates
in the Alzheimer's Association's Memory Walk at the Riverfront in
Wilmington, Delware. We raise thousands of dollars over the summer and
into the beginning of the fall semester to donate to this worthy cause.
Also, every year during Sigma Kappa's annual 'Week of Giving', we
participate in the Sigma Kappa Foundation's Lollipop Campaign.
- In 2004 our
chapter won an award for the Best Overall Lollipop Campaign
- In 2005 our
chapter won an award for the Most Creative Lollipop Campaign
Advertising
- The Maine Sea Coast Missionary Society
Since 1918 Sigma Kappa has paid homage to its Maine roots by supporting
the activities of the Maine Sea Coast Missionary Society. The Maine Sea
Coast Missionary Society delivers critical services to people in need
while striving to redress the root causes of those needs. With the help
of the 75-foot mission vessel, Sunbeam V, direct programs and services
include church and pastoral work, assistance to those in sickness and
poverty, financial aid, food banks, recycled clothing shops, crisis
intervention, youth programs, and ministries in the field. The Mission
serves the islands from mid-coast to Downeast Maine, as well as
mainland Hancock and Washington counties. In the spring semester at our
philanthropy night during the University of Delaware's formal sorority
recruitment, the sisters, along with potential new members, decorate
beach buckets tol be filled with toiletries that are sent to help out
the Mainse Sea Coast Missionary Society.