When most people hear about the Greek system, their first thought isn't about philanthropies, charity dollars and service hours that members from all over the world have contributed over the storied history of Greek life. This is surprising given that college Panhellenic raises over 5 million dollars a year and puts in over 1.3 million services hours and fraternities raise over 20.3 million dollars and puts in over 3.8 million volunteer hours. Greek houses on university campuses raise awareness for many different organizations that aren’t always the most talked about. Being the Director of Philanthropy for Delta Gamma this year I have really had my eyes opened to all that Greek houses do for their philanthropy. Every week there is a different philanthropy going on, raising money and awareness for a different cause and usually in a fun and different way.
Raising money and awareness for Greek house’s philanthropies goes beyond asking their relatives for money and just posting something on social media about it. Lots of time and effort goes into these events that get people involved and educated on an issue that they normally wouldn’t take the time to learn about. Zeta Tau Alpha’s BMOC for example starts raising awareness and money months before their big event. So much planning and effort goes into that people often don’t realize.
Going to philanthropies is one of my favorite ways to hang out and bond with my sisters while meeting new people from all different houses. At philanthropies is where you really see Purdue’s Greek Life come together as a community. People are always so supportive and the activities can range from basketball, to pageants which are always so fun.
When people talk about Greek life, often it is the bad stereotypes that come into the conversation. Before joining a sorority, I myself was very weary about what being in a house really meant because of the negative stigma that seems to follow. Although, getting involved in a house and all the charity work that do is one of the best ways to be able to give back. The philanthropies of Greek houses are such a big part of a house and what they stand for and it's time that they got the recognition they deserve for all the hard work they take.
