Philanthropy

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A philanthropy is an effort to increase the well-being of mankind and promote human welfare by charitable aid and donations. Sigma Kappa Sorority has several national philanthropies in which members of our Chapter participate. Each of our philanthropies is described below, including specifically what our Chapter does to contribute.

Gerontology

Sigma Kappa was the first sorority, starting in 1954, to recognize the need for continued comprehensive work on the study of aging and the needs of elderly persons. Members of our Chapter visit with retirement home residents on Bid Day of Recruitment Week. We also make and deliver Valentine's Day cards to retirement home residents.

Alzheimer's disease

In 1984, Sigma Kappa responded to an increasingly critical problem facing older Americans by adding Alzheimer's disease research and education to its philanthropic activities. Sigma Kappa has become one of the nation's leading contributors to Alzheimer's disease prevention, research and treatment efforts. Sigma Kappa Foundation initiated the Alzheimer's Disease and Research Grant Program in 1988 and has since given over a half a million dollars to the researchers and practitioners who have dedicated their efforts to help those with Alzheimer's. Visit the Sigma Kappa Foundation for more information about how we are helping fight this debilitating disease.

Our Chapter aids in the fight against Alzheimer's disease by hosting a Greek-wide philanthropy event known as "MudBowl." Each fall, members of our Chapter organize and host a mud volleyball tournament at Tuttle Creek State Park. Proceeds from this event are donated to the Sigma Kappa Foundation to help fund and support Alzheimer's disease and gerontology research endeavors.

Another donation to the Foundation comes from the sale of lollipops on campus.

Inherit the Earth

This philanthropy combines our interest in both elderly citizens and the environment. The fundraisers that our Chapter organizes vary from year to year, with money being donated to assist with this cause.

The Maine Sea Coast Mission

Sigma Kappa adopted the Maine Sea Coast Mission as its first national philanthropy in 1918 in honor of our five founders from Maine. The Mission provides critical services to people in need on the islands from mid-coast to Downeast Maine, as well as mainland Hancock and Washington counties. The programs and services provided include church and pastoral work, assistance to those in sickness and poverty, financial aid, food banks, recycled clothing shops, crisis intervention, youth programs, and ministries in the field. Sigma Kappa Foundation provides financial contributions to the Mission for Christmas programs, emergency relief programs and scholarships. Our Chapter contributes to the Maine Sea Coast Mission by collecting and donating clothes, personal items, and non-perishable food items each fall.

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