Pancakes, Donuts, and Vendors Oh My!
Author: Natasha H. Editor: Natalie D. and Grace C.
On a picturesque Sunday morning at 510 W Park Ave., Tallahassee, FL, the women of Kappa Alpha Theta gathered together to serve a myriad of brunch specials to the Florida State University community. Why? Their annual fundraising event called “Let’s do Brunch” takes place each fall to raise not only money but awareness for two of Kappa Alpha Theta’s philanthropies. One of them being Court Appointed Special Advocates/Guardian ad Litem, which is more commonly referred to as CASA/GAL.
What does Theta’s partnership with CASA/GAL do? Since 1989, the women of Theta have paired with National Court Appointed Special Advocates/Guardian ad Litem to continuously impact the lives of foster children on the local and national levels. Their aim through fundraising and volunteering events is to give a voice to the children who have been silenced and to shed light on one of the largest issues plaguing America today: the abuse and neglect of children.
CASA/GAL has a large network of volunteers that focus on five principles: engaging with the child, learning about their life, recommending their best interest in court, collaborating with others, and reporting to the court. Each volunteer is thoroughly trained and given only one child to ensure the best care. Without the work of CASA/GAL children in Tallahassee but countrywide would be missing the support, guidance, and voice needed to alleviate children from these dire situations. Needless to say, Kappa Alpha Theta is fundraising for a noble cause.
In total, the women of Kappa Alpha Theta were able to raise a respectable $18,289 for CASA/GAB. Through years of the event, the chapter has been able to develop the perfect fundraising formula. Students and any citizens of the Tallahassee community are able to purchase tickets to their Philanthropy event that allow them to choose from a variety of breakfast options including pancakes, fruit, bacon, sausage, homefries, and donuts from the Donut Kingdom! After cultivating the perfect plate, individuals had the choice to sit outside and listen to the live music or check out the inside of the chapter facility. Once they finished their meals, everyone was also able to check out all of the local vendors at the site. These vendors sold merchandise ranging from custom hats to vintage Florida State gear!
Although this event may already seem slam-packed with entertainment, this was not the end. In collaboration with this event, the Beta Nu chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta holds a separate competition titled “Mr. CasanΘva” each year that allows any nominated member of the IFC community to fundraise for around two weeks. Whichever man has raised the most money for CASA/GAL is then crowned “Mr. CasanΘva.” Starting from Sept. 17th when nominations ended and finalizing on October 3rd at the “Let’s Do Brunch” event where member Matthew L., who raised a total of $3,000, was crowned.
Kappa Alpha Theta’s Philanthropy Director, Emma B., said “I was greatly impacted by the mission of CASA and the FSU Theta chapter’s ability to help our community here in Tallahassee. We held ‘Let’s Do Brunch’ this past parent’s weekend and felt so lucky to have everyone’s family present to benefit CASA.” This was a strategic choice as it allowed an increase of awareness for and popularity at the event.
Emma B. further divulges into her time on the Executive Board by stating “Throughout my time as Theta’s Philanthropy Director, my chapter has raised around $41,000 for CASA.” What an amazing feat!
It is events like these that showcase the power that each chapter in the Panhellenic community can have on Tallahassee and our nation as a whole. Through a cumulation of hard work, expert planning, and some delicious food, Kappa Alpha Theta successfully held one of the best brunches in and around Florida State.