Chi O Cares

Phi Epsilon Philanthropy

Our most recent addition to our sorority is our Breast Cancer philanthropy. While planning this project it was an emotional time for our chapter as our sister Lyndsay Watts was diagnosed with breast cancer. In the Spring of 2005 we had an olympic competition with other greek organizations participating, a long with our own sisters as a kick off for our new philanthropy. As of right now we are working on a new event to raise money for the Breast Cancer Foundation. Our past philanthropy was a walk that we started in 2002. "A Walk to Remember" was the project of sister Ashley Mahoney. Ashley was diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy(RSD) in Spring of 2001 and has been fighting it with a strong determination ever since. She started an orange ribbon campaign and was the main force behind starting this annual walk, which raised money to promote awareness of RSD and continuing research. Each year we did the walk it had made over $5000, donated to support awareness for RSD.

National Philanthropy

Because service to humanity is such a vital part of who Chi Omega is and the enormous potential of our volunteerism, the leadership of Chi Omega spent the year 2000 researching the possibility of establishing a national philanthropy. A Steering Committee was created with members from both Chi Omega Fraternity and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Every segment of Chi Omega was represented on this committee. Working closely with the Make-A-Wish® Steering Committee members, the program guidelines were drawn up and presented at Convention 2002.

This is a very exciting time for both Chi Omega and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Both of our organizations embarked on a new adventure and all Chi Omegas played a very important part in determining the success of our joint venture. This exciting alliance between Chi Omega and the Make-A-Wish Foundation provided a common goal for every Chi Omega collegiate and alumnae chapter; increased the visibility of Chi Omega’s volunteerism and philanthropy nationwide; and combined the prestige of a national charity with grassroots support. In our first year, we experienced great enthusiasm and involvement in the alliance that permeated throughout our chapters. More than $216,000 was raised to provide wishes through the Make-A-Wish chapters all over the country. There were also thousands of volunteer hours recorded from Chi Omegas. During the fall 2003 semester Chi Omega raised $309,780.77 and gave 6,988 volunteers hours to help grant wishes to children. This brings our 2 year totals up to $836,373.43 and our volunteer hours up to 20,799. What a wonderful example of the community service spirit of Chi Omegas across our country.

The Chi Omega Foundation

Each year the Foundation raises thousands of dollars to help Chi Omegas of all ages. Whether it’s through scholarships, leadership programs, or grants to help Chi Omega alumnae during a crisis, the Foundation is in existence to help our members with their educational goals and leadership development!

Women across the nation seek assistance from the Foundation in order to reach their educational and career goals. Chi Omega helps these women fulfill their dreams through national and chapter scholarships. However, the Chi Omega Foundation is more than scholarships...

• Support funding for the Leadership Institute to train and develop leadership skills in our collegiate and alumnae members
• Provide funding for technology such as the National Consultant’s laptops
• Funding for the National Advisory Training Team who trains our advisory boards across the country
• Funding for Panhellenic Officers to attend Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute
• Confidential emergency grants to alumnae in crisis situations

How can you join in?

As a Chi Omega active, you can join Persephone’s Circle by giving a $15 yearly gift to the Foundation. Your undergraduate gift is applied to your lifetime giving record... begin planting the seeds for your future involvement with the Foundation.

Persephone's Circle

As a Chi Omega alumna, you may join one of many lifetime giving societies, the Anniversary Club that celebrates by giving $1 for each year of Chi Omega, or the 1895 Society, which helps fund our many programs! Please visit our national Web site to see how you can get involved.