This past Sunday, Nov. 9, was an extra special Founder’s Day for Sigma Kappa, because it marked its 140th anniversary as a sorority. Each year during the week before Founder’s Day, Sigma Kappa chapters across the nation participate in a philanthropic campaign called the Week of Giving. Sigma Kappas at Texas Christian University have been participating in the Week of Giving since the sorority was established on campus in 1998. “Our theme varies each year, but this year our theme is all about Supporting Our Home in Fort Worth,” said Sigma Kappa Vice President of Philanthropic Service Coralee Wagonhurst.             

Each day of the week had a different philanthropy event assigned. On Monday, Sigma Kappa paired up with the Birthday Party Project, which aims to “Bring Joy to Homeless Children Through the Magic of Birthdays.” Girls brought birthday supplies such as streamers, birthday banners and toys to the Sigma Kappa house to be donated to local children and families. On Tuesday, many of the girls fought to eliminate hunger by volunteering at the Tarrant County Food Bank. On Wednesday, Sigma Kappa paired up with Panera, which donated a portion of their proceeds that day to benefit the Sigma Kappa Foundation. The Sigma Kappa Foundation helps fund leadership, scholarship, and philanthropic initiatives that reflect the spirit and values of the sorority. On Thursday Sigma Kappa hosted a Jamberry nail wrap fundraiser, which donated 20 percent of its proceeds to The WARM Place. The WARM Place in a nonprofit agency which provides grief support services to children ages 3–18 and their families, as well as young adults ages 19–25 who have lost a loved one. Sigma Kappa at TCU wrapped up its Week of Giving on Friday with a trip to the Fort Worth Animal Care and Control. Many of the members volunteered at the animal shelter by playing with the dogs and giving them the love and individual attention they rarely get in a crowded shelter. 

It’s always nice to be able to be able to give back your community, and I’m so proud to be a member of a sorority that does so much for ours.