Let’s Do Brunch
This article was written in conjunction to the Fall 2019 Magazine. Click here to view other chapters articles.
Writer: Hannah A. / Photographer, Graphics: Savannah T.
Kappa Alpha Theta recently hosted its second annual philanthropy event, Let’s Do Brunch. The event helped raise money for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). CASA helps kids in the foster system or unhealthy home situations who need legal assistance. The volunteers, called Guardian Angels, make a life-changing difference for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. Each volunteer is appointed by a judge to advocate for a child’s best interest in court. Our volunteers help judges develop a fuller picture of each child’s life. Their advocacy enables judges to make the most well-informed decision for each child. The volunteers also fundraise money so that the kids can get Christmas gifts and school supplies.
Philia had the opportunity to speak to Zoe F., a sister of Kappa Alpha Theta, about what this philanthropy means to her. Zoe explains, “When I was little, I was in and out. Sometimes I would have a home, sometimes I would not. When I visited Theta during the Philanthropy round of recruitment, I broke down with so many emotions. The philanthropy really resonates with me and my personal story. I wanted to do everything I could to help these kids.” Zoe and her two sisters were raised by her mom, a single parent and a second grade teacher. Zoe describes her mother as, “the sweetest, kindest, and most patient person in the world; she’s my best friend.”
Though Zoe was never personally involved with CASA, she encountered many experiences similar to those of CASA children. Zoe explains, “Unfortunately, teachers, especially single ones with three kids, didn’t make a ton of money. There were little things, like never getting to play club sports or go on any out-of-state class trips; there were also some bigger ones, like when the new secretary of our school district didn’t distribute the summer paycheck for teachers. and my family had to scrape change together to get a loaf of bread and a jar of peanut butter and make it stretch for two weeks. The worst came when our landlord decided to sell our building and gave us a month to move out, leaving us without a place to stay, resulting in us being homeless. My family was split up for two months.” Zoe and her family never gave up, and she is so thankful that she always had an amazing mother to turn to. During recruitment, she remembers crying to another sister, Tori S., when she found out about Theta’s philanthropy. She said she felt heard during their ceremony, and always felt at home when she walked through their doors.
Zoe is just one of the many chapter members that is passionate about CASA and the cause behind the organization. Philia had the opportunity to speak with Olivia E., a new member of Kappa Alpha Theta. She says, “Since I’m a new member, I’m still learning new aspects about CASA. It’s different than any philanthropy I’ve seen before because our women are able to make a life-changing difference for children who have experienced abuse or neglect.” Both Zoe and Olivia are really proud of their chapter, the money that they have raised, and the hard work that they put in. The women of Kappa Alpha Theta show true dedication towards this philanthropy, and their purpose and spark shine through at each and every philanthropy event.