The Importance of Philanthropy
Every sorority has a national philanthropy (not-for-profit organization) that they spend time raising funds and volunteering for. Philanthropies and philanthropic activities are important to every chapter and an average of $7 million is raised every year by Greeks nationally. In addition, 850,000 hours are volunteered by Greeks annually. (Statistics are taken from www.unl.edu/greeks.) Some sororities hand out information in the quad, host tournaments or talent shows to raise money and volunteer for their national philanthropies. Some of the organizations that benefit from money raised at RIT are: The American Cancer Society, Special Olympics, Advocacy Services for Abused Deaf Victims, Autism Speaks, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, Breast Cancer Education and Awareness, a number of children’s organizations and many more.
In the 2009-2010 school year, Panhellenic sororities raised over $25,000 for philanthropic causes. In addition, chapters performed over 3,800 hours of community service! Panhellenic also sponsors service projects. Some of the service projects in store for this upcoming year include: A clothes and supply drive for the Alternatives for Battered Women, hosting a family with Adopt a Family, our yearly Clothing Swap and working with the Panhellenic council at Geneseo to participate in United Way Day of Caring. Philanthropies give sorority members a chance to have an impact outside of their own sphere and will continue to be a major part of our life as Greek women.
