This September, Drury’s four sorority chapters, Zeta Tau Alpha, Pi Beta Phi, Kappa Delta and Delta Delta Delta, are preparing to showcase their monthly philanthropy events. Each chapter chooses an event to host that connects to their philanthropy’s cause. These events allow everyone on campus to participate. Whether it’s with an intramural game or a fundraising donation, anyone can contribute to these important causes.

Zeta Tau Alpha: Breast Cancer Awareness

Kayle Welch, sophomore and director of philanthropy for Zeta Tau Alpha at Drury, shared that her chapter is planning a sand volleyball tournament that will be held on the courts outside of Smith Hall starting Sept. 17. Games will be from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and are co-hosted with intramurals, giving the entire campus the opportunity to participate.

“This event plays a large role in our efforts in the battle to end breast cancer,” said Welch. “Money raised goes to the ZTA Foundation to help fund groundbreaking research, further educational programs and continue to spread awareness.”

Welch also commented on how she is feeling about the upcoming event.

She stated, “I am very excited! Volleyball is my favorite sport, and I think it is something that so many people can really get into. I also love that while everyone is having fun and competing, we are still supporting a very important cause.”

Pi Beta Phi: National Literacy Month

In honor of September being National Literacy Month, Pi Beta Phi is hosting a book drive from the Sept. 1 to Sept. 21. Haley Olsen, Pi Beta Phi member and vice president of philanthropy, encourages everyone on campus to look for boxes outside of the FSC Commons and inside the library to donate their old books.

“I wanted to create an event that the whole campus could be involved in,” stated Olsen. “One that shows how simple it is to make a difference in the lives of local children. My favorite part is seeing how excited they are for something that we tend to take for granted. All books will be donated to local schools and book club organizations.”

(Victoria Shaw at Pi Beta Phi’s book drive. Photo via Haley Olsen.)

To promote participation in the book drive, each entry goes towards a raffle. The raffle winners will be announced at another Pi Beta Phi even on Sept. 21 called Lemonade for Literacy, which will take place in the FSC from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Kappa Delta: International Women’s Friendship Month

On Sept. 19, the Kappa Delta chapter will be hosting a Coffee & Confidence event to promote confidence in women. Vice President of Public Relations, Taylor Perkins, explained that the event coincides with Kappa Delta’s International Women’s Friendship Month. This month aims to celebrate the women in our lives.

Coffee & Confidence will be held right outside the FSC Commons from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is open to everyone on campus.

“Drury students, faculty and staff are all welcome to pick up free coffee and bagels from Panera,” said Perkins. “They can also write on our banner what makes them confident.”

(Kappa Delta’s Coffee & Confidence. Photo via Taylor Perkins.)

Delta Delta Delta: End Childhood Cancer

Another popular event this month is Delta Delta Delta’s St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer. Tri Delta sophomore, Shaylin Dalton, elaborated that while the event is not hosted by Tri Delta, the members raise donations for the event through their participation. The 5K will be on Saturday, Sept. 22 at 7 a.m. at Rutledge Wilson Park.

Dalton explained that “the whole Springfield community as well as surrounding areas” are encouraged to get involved.

Involvement can be as simple as making an online donation. Dalton explained that members will ask friends and family to sponsor the 5K, to support the girls who will physically be there on the day of the event. Springfield’s fundraising goal overall is $75,000 – pushing the Tri Delta members to meet their own fundraising goals.

Get Involved!

Be sure to mark your calendars and see what each sorority has to offer. Playing a friendly game of sand volleyball with friends, donating books to Pi Phi’s book drive, sharing a bagel and some confidence with a Kappa Delta member or simply donating to Tri Delta’s 5K are all ways you can get involved and support a great cause.

Written by Hannah Heath.