The Sounds of Sisterhood
Writer: Hannah C. Editor: Grace C.
Because service is one of the pillars that upholds the Panhellenic community, the women of Delta Zeta (DZ) strive to make philanthropic impacts that shape and serve Florida State University (FSU) and the greater Tallahassee community. This Spring, Delta Zeta coordinated a laser tag competition, Laser Wars, in support of their philanthropic partners: the FSU Speech and Hearing Clinic and the Starkey Hearing Foundation.
When planning Delta Zeta’s spring philanthropy event, Madison W., Vice President of Philanthropy, had a substantial impact on the execution and success of the event. When deciding upon an activity and theme for the event, Madison took inspiration from a similar DZ event that took place last year. “I feel like it’s a creative and different event,” she explains. “We wanted an event where we could educate people, but they could also have a good time.”
As last term’s Assistant VP Philanthropy, Madison had previous experience in planning, organizing, and executing successful philanthropy events. Because Madison was well-versed in the logistical aspects of the competition, she took initiative to collaborate with a local laser tag company and reserve the FSU intramural fields, which greatly contributed to the success of the event.
Devon M., Delta Zeta’s Communications Chair, states that the event’s success greatly relied on sisters’ willingness to post about the event on their individual social media accounts. In addition to raising awareness for the event itself, Devon encouraged Delta Zeta sisters to post educational materials about hearing loss awareness and fundraising templates to increase the impact of their social media posts. In addition, Devon organized a fundraising competition for the event on March 3rd, which is World Hearing Day. “We had a competition between our member classes to see who could fundraise the highest amount, and we raised over $2,000. That was a huge fundraising push day for us,” she explains.
At the competition, teams consisting of DZ sisters, Panhellenic chapters, Interfraternity Council chapters, and Registered Student Organizations gathered to compete in the laser tag competition. Although most participants sign up simply to support their organization’s team, Madison explains that Delta Zeta’s Laser Wars event saw some intense competition. “Players get out there, and they’re on the ground, sliding around, getting grass stains on their clothes,” Madison explains.
By organizing philanthropy events like Laser Wars, the sisters of Delta Zeta are able to have a direct impact on the lives of those affected with speech and hearing issues. “Our philanthropy is something that is easy to relate to. Even if you aren’t personally affected, you can recognize the privilege that it is to have the ability to speak and hear,” says Madison.
In addition to organizing fundraising events, DZ also participates in hands-on philanthropic efforts through their partnership with the FSU Speech and Hearing Clinic. By hosting Halloween parties and Easter egg hunts at the Delta Zeta chapter facility, their members are able to see a direct impact on the individual lives of those their philanthropy aims to serve.
While DZ sisters appreciate competition and spending time raising awareness and funds for their philanthropy, they found that the event also served as an opportunity for bonding within their chapter. “Our philanthropy brings the chapter together,” Devon claims. Not only did Delta Zeta’s Laser Wars event support their philanthropy, but it provided sisters and other members of the FSU community the opportunity to bond with one another in support of a noble cause.