Philanthropy Spotlight: Rock the CASA

Are you ready to rock?! For the past two years my chapter has held Rock the CASA as our fall philanthropy event to benefit Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). CASA volunteers speak on behalf of children going through the court system. This battle of the bands competition that brings in the school and surrounding community to raise money for a great cause

My chapter has tried everything from a 5k to a capture the flag tournament, but we just couldn’t find a philanthropy that fit our chapter and our school. In 2013 we decided to try something new. Unlike most of the daytime sports-related philanthropy events at our school, our Chief Marketing Officer Katie decided to mix things up. She organized a battle of the bands competition for a Friday evening. It included campus bands and bands from the local Tacoma community. The gamble paid off and the inaugural Rock the CASA was a huge hit.

Rock the CASA 2013

Philanthropy events are all about raising awareness and raising money. This year, we increased awareness of CASA by inviting a CASA volunteer, and stepmother to one of our sisters, to come speak to the campus community about being a voice for children. To raise money, we charge admission, sell shirts or stickers, and have a fan favorite award. To vote for your favorite band, spectators just place money in the jar labeled with the band’s name. It’s a fun way to raise money and get people involved.

Fan Favorite Voting Table

Unlike other philanthropic causes like the American Heart Association or the Girl Scouts of America, most people don’t know much about Court Appointed Special Advocates. Having events like Rock the CASA helps people recognize our cause more. This year even marks Theta’s 25^th anniversary with CASA. If you want to know more, click here.

Rock the CASA 2014

If your chapter is looking for a new philanthropy idea, why not try a battle of the bands?

Holiday Philanthropy Ideas

With the hustle and bustle of the holidays it often becomes easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of all that is happening. However, as a sorority sister, it is necessary to remember to give back through philanthropy during this season. Remember, philanthropy doesn't have to be boring, so grab a few sisters and have fun while giving back!

Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen - With a few sisters, you can call your local soup kitchen and schedule a day to get together are serve lunch to the less fortunate.

Go Caroling - It is easy to spread cheer by simply caroling! Go to your local nursing home and sing to the residents. You will have a blast and spread cheer!

Make Cards for the Elderly - Before you go caroling at the nursing home, gather all of your craft supplies and craft cards for the elderly. You get to use the left over scrapbook paper that is sitting in your drawers and the recipients will love them!

Volunteer at the Animal Shelter - Animals need love too during the holidays and what could be more fun than playing with puppies all day?

Wrapping Gifts for Busy Moms - Mothers of small children can rarely find time to go Christmas shopping much less wrapping the gifts as well. Gather supplies and a group of girls and set up a wrapping station for busy mothers!

How do you like to give back during the Holidays?

Philanthropy Spotlight: Delta Phi Epsilon's ANAD Week

One of my favorite events that my sorority hosts each year is a week to bring awareness to ANAD - the National Association of  Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders. Every Fall, the sisters of the Gamma Omicron chapter of DPhiE plans a week that essentially promotes positive body image and self-worth.

The week's activities include No Make Monday, Trashing Your Insecurities, Zumba, a fashion  show and a candle light vigil. In one event, Scale Smashing, students from the Georgia Southern campus were invited to write inspirational quotes and phrases on scales and then take sledge hammers to destroy the scale. 

I hope that you all remember that regardless of your body shape, hair color, weight or age that you are all beautiful! I invite you all to take a look into ANAD and even print out your own copy of the ANAD pledge to put next to your mirror! 

Let me know what your favorite philanthropy events are in the comments!