Kappa Kappa Gamma’s philanthropy Kamp Kappa took place on September 15, 2016, to raise money for the new Catie Abeyta Scholarship fund in honor of the sister they lost the year previous.
The event took place at the Kappa Kappa Gamma house and had more than 200 people in attendance to not only eat the delicious food but also to pay homage to Catie. The idea for the event came from a place of love as the sisters, after being told they could no longer do their annual Chili con Kappa philanthropy, thought of Catie’s deep appreciation for the outdoors came up with the Kamp idea.
The sisters provided a hot dog bar and make your own s'mores table, in addition to a station that sold stickers in memory of Catie. All of which were met with enthusiasm from the attendees; “hot dogs are good, s'mores are good,” said Michael G. (a member of Sigma Chi). They also had a bone marrow donation station, where any of the attendees could sign up and donate at the event.
The idea for a scholarship in Catie’s name came from Hannah Persichitte, one of the main organizers of the event. She knew Catie not only as a fun and loving sister, but also as a dear friend, and since Catie loved learning, Hannah thought that a scholarship would be the perfect way to always remember her. The scholarship will go to a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma who is in need of financial assistance in order to stay in their sisterhood and at CSU.
Catie’s parents attended the event after approving the idea for the scholarship. Teary eyed it was evident that they were deeply touched by everything the Kappa Kappa Gamma sisters were doing for their daughter. When asked what they thought when approached about the scholarship they replied, “... when they approached us it was just so early in the semester and it's amazing how they got it all together, and that everyone attended the event…. We remember her every day, and you never really know if people loved her like we did, but seeing everyone here it is nice to know that she made such an impact on the community around here,”said LeAnn Hoye (Catie’s mother).
The Greek life community has changed since the experience, and a group of Kappa Kappa Gamma sisters, including Gabby Alcala, Taylor Greenstein, and Emily Haas, reiterated that feeling when asked about how their Chapter has evolved after the loss. “It made everyone closer, now when you leave people say ‘love you be safe’, and everyone is very open about things that happen”- Emily Hass.
Catie’s previous roommate also echoed similar tidings about how even Fort Collins as a Community has been affected; “... the Fort Collins community as a whole came together, and it showed that we had support from everywhere, really just bringing people together”
Walking around the event it was evident that it was a success. A plethora of smiling faces, photos, and mingling could be seen everywhere. Talking to various greek life organizations it was clear that they all felt the deeper meaning of the event, and how the community has changed. Pi Kappa Phi associate member, Scott Lang, when asked about how he felt about the event stated, “It’s awesome, for a great cause and it’s awesome to see people come together for a great philanthropy”.
A sister of Kappa Kappa Gamma, Gabby Alcala, echoed the feeling when interviewed stating that she was, “stoked that so many people showed up, because not only was it a great philanthropy, but it also represented a deeper meaning for our chapter as a whole”.
People discussed the upcoming semester and future Greek events, as well as sharing fond memories of Catie. Talking to those who knew Catie it was clear that she was an extremely happy woman who had a positive impact on all those around her. Known for saying, “Sup dude” to whoever she saw around the house, and the “light that [she] always emitted to those around her”-Caroline Matz.
Both Catie’s family and close friends agreed that she would have loved the event since it really captured who she was as a person and what she loved in her lifetime.
Dakota Braxton Darfler, a close friend of Catie’s, when asked his opinion on the event stated,“I think Catie would have loved the event as well as the support the community put forth to commemorate her. I was enthralled to see the amount of people who showed up within the first hour, I believe it was a huge success, Catie lives on in everyone she touched whether they know it or not. #steezyforbreezy”.
Catie’s father ended the interview stating that, “this event would be something that Catie really would love, and that even though her [physical] self isn’t here, her presence definitely is, and that she is loving it!”, demonstrating that the salute to Catie was an achievement for the Chapter and Catie’s memory .
