Taking on Virtual Philanthropy
Writer: Kaitlyn O. / Editors: Grace C. and Savannah T. / Photographer: Shayla L. /Graphic Designer: Savannah T.
With COVID-19 taking over the world, unfortunately, Alpha Omicron Pi’s usual fall Philanthropy event, Sister’s for Soldiers, a pizza and pie event, had to change drastically in light of COVID-19. Luckily, Amanda T., a senior and Philanthropy Chairman for Alpha Omicron Pi stepped up to make this Philanthropy event as normal and effective as possible, while still abiding by all of the COVID-19 guidelines. That was when TikToks for the Troops was born, Amanda’s take on a virtual event that would still raise awareness and money for troops in need.
Amanda fell in love with this idea because she recognizes the obsession with TikTok right now, and she thought that it would be a great way for sisters to get involved. When asked how she came up with this idea, Amanda responded, “I was at an online meeting through Crowd Change and there was a sheet of different ideas of events to do online. I saw [the TikTok idea] on the list and I just sort of tweaked it to make it what is best for our Chapter and FSU at a time where everything is so different.”
“I wanted something that would get people excited for the event and not just do something lowkey. I wanted to have something that people could post, but also have a good time making,” stated Amanda T.
All of the proceeds from this event went towards making care packages for soldiers. In order to raise the money, sisters made TikToks that had different monetary requirements; for example the more sisters involved in the TikTok, the more money was donated. There was then a two-day long competition to see which TikToks had the most likes, and the winner received a gift card as an incentive to donate and create. Likewise, sisters also posted donation boards on social media to try and gain awareness that way as well.
Once the event was over, Amanda used the money raised to go shopping for care package supplies and she plans on hosting a small sisterhood event, if possible, to fill the packages. This way, sisters can still be involved with physically making the packages since they were not able to do so at their usual annual event. Of course, they would still be wearing gloves and masks so that the care packages will be safe in transportation.
In addition to being Alpha Omicron Pi’s Philanthropy Chairman, Amanda is also involved in other philanthropies on campus through the various theatre clubs she is a part of, and as an Engagement Coordinator for Dance Marathon. Through these positions, Amanda has grown a lot as a person. She now feels that she is a lot more giving and caring. She wants others in her chapter to succeed, as well as herself. Amanda enjoys a sense of community through her work because her goal is to spark a passion for philanthropy in everyone she meets and everything she does.
In the future, Amanda dreams of becoming an actress and would love to continue to educate others and work collaboratively with people throughout her career. Her “be ready to be all in” mentality has shown her that she can do anything when she puts her mind to it. She will continue to cherish the values that she has learned in Alpha Omicron Pi and take them with her wherever life takes her.