A Fresh Take on Fall Fest
Author: Hannah C. Editor: Ariana W. and Grace C.
Philanthropy is a cornerstone of the Panhellenic community and often serves as the driving force behind a woman’s choice to join their chapter. Kappa Delta’s fall philanthropy event is Fall Fest, which benefits the Children’s Home Society and Prevent Child Abuse America and exemplifies dedication to service and philanthropy.
Although Kappa Delta has organized their Fall Fest in the past, 2021 was a noteworthy year for the event. Last year, COVID-19 regulations prevented the chapter from organizing the event, but, because of Abbie D., the Fall Fest made a comeback in 2021. As the chapter’s Vice President of Community Service, Abbie D. planned, organized, and executed Kappa Delta’s successful fall philanthropy event.
Despite Kappa Delta’s past Fall Fests, Abbie had never personally experienced the event. “Initially, I had forgotten about our Fall Fests in the past,” explained Abbie. When she realized their philanthropy event would be in November, she knew that it was “perfect timing” to bring back the Fall Fest. “I was excited to follow through with the event after a couple years of not being able to do it,” says Abbie.
Although garnering inspiration and excitement for the event was simple, the Fall Fest’s execution was a much more complicated task. Kappa Delta relied on Abbie’s leadership, organizational skills, and adaptability to put on a safe and fun Fall Fest. Abbie collaborated with the university and the City of Tallahassee to reserve road space for the event and contacted various vendors, entertainment providers, and small business owners to provide their services at the event. Additionally, she adapted to ever-changing COVID-19 regulations while delegating volunteer tasks to each member of Kappa Delta in order to ensure the success of the event.
Although Abbie’s dedication spoke to her own influence on the organization of the event, she also credited each member of Kappa Delta for their contributions. By selling tickets to the event to those in Greek Life and beyond, raising awareness for Kappa Delta’s philanthropy on social media platforms, and volunteering their time at the event, each Kappa Delta sister ensured that the Fall Fest was thoroughly planned, organized, and executed.
After extensive preparation, planning, and contributions from Abbie and other Kappa Delta members, the Kappa Delta Fall Fest was ready to be shared with the Tallahassee community. From ax throwing to small business pop-up shops and dunk tanks, Kappa Delta provided plenty of eye-catching attractions to encourage individuals to attend the event. In addition to participating in fun activities, event attendees were educated about the philanthropic efforts of Prevent Child Abuse America and the Children’s Home Society and were encouraged to contribute to these philanthropies. When reflecting on the success of Fall Fest, Abbie states that there was great support from the community and that she “was very pleased with how the event turned out.”
In addition to fundraising for their philanthropy, the Kappa Delta Fall Fest contributed to the Tallahassee community in other ways. By including small business pop-up shops at the Fall Fest, small business owners were able to gain exposure and support for their respective businesses. Additionally, Abbie speaks highly of the enrichment and personal growth that the sisters of Kappa Delta experience after participating in the chapter’s philanthropic efforts.
Given the success of Kappa Delta’s Fall Fest and her personal appreciation for their philanthropy, Abbie encourages members of the Panhellenic community to get involved with philanthropies across campus and “just go for it.” In that philanthropy is a fundamental aspect of each Panhellenic chapter, events like Kappa Delta’s Fall Fest encourage the Panhellenic community to unite together to support other chapters, their philanthropies, and the greater Tallahassee community.