Philanthropy
Theta's national philanthropy is CASA, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. CASA is a group of trained community volunteers appointed by a judge to speak up for abused and neglected children in court. With the information provided by CASA volunteers, judges are able to make informed and timely decisions as to what is best for the child so these children still have a chance at the best childhood possible. Every year, CASA volunteers help approximately 280,000 abused or neglected children find safe and permanent homes. To learn more about CASA please visit the CASA national website.
Theta college and alumnae chapters help CASA by raising money for CASA programs, providing office support, organizing fundraisers for toys or items for CASA children, and by becoming CASA volunteers themselves.
The Gamma Phi chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta teams up with CASA of Lubbock to host the Tech Theta Speak Up for Kids CASA 5K on the Texas Tech campus each year. Each Theta raises money for the annual philanthropic event by recruiting runners and sponsors for the run. Hundreds of college students and community members participate in the run each year. Last year we raised over $7,000 from the run.
2011 CASA 5k PR Video
The Tech Thetas also have a silent auction during their Parents Weekend to raise additional money for CASA. Each Theta has an item donated for the auction and all the proceeds are donated to CASA. Some of the items donated last year included a trip to Ireland, a football signed by Coach Leach, Michael Crabtree and Graham Harrell, and a basketball signed by Coach Knight. The silent auction raised about $3,000 last spring.
The fall hosts a myriad of philanthropic events throughout the Greek Community, all of which Theta proudly supports. Our members participate in a number of fraternity and sorority sponsored activities that support various philanthropies. Some of these include, Beta 500, Delta Chi Capture the Flag, FIJI Olympics, Greek Treat, Kappa Sig Bowl, KA & Phi Delta Kalf Fry, and Sigma Chi Derby Days.
The spring holds a number of opportunities for us to continue serving with other Greek organizations and the Lubbock Community. The ladies of Kappa Alpha Theta annually participate in the Delt Softball, Delta Chi Earthball, Miss Greek Pageant, Skate Night, and numerous other events supporting philanthropies of our fellow Greeks.
Last spring, the Thetas were also involved in the Greek wide Habitat for Humanity event. Each sorority and fraternity worked a 48 hour shift in the wind, rain and snow to get the house built for the Orosco family. Since Theta raised the most money for the event, we were given the honor to present the Orosco family with the key to their new home!
Our sisters participate in many causes beyond these events, as well. Kappa Alpha Theta has aimed to exercise the widest influence for good and to show love to others. These aspirations have given Kappa Alpha Theta a distinguished history of community service and philanthropic involvement.
The Friendship Fund was established in 1926 by the Theta Foundation and has been called "The Heart of the Fraternity." It is a tangible expression of Theta's love and concern for her sisters experiencing severe financial distress, catastrophic illness, natural disaster, and urgent family crisis. Management of the Friendship Fund was assumed by Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation in 1994, and in 2003 expanded to assist all members, both alumnae and collegian. A gift from the Friendship Fund is given from loving Theta sisters without expectation of repayment. The Friendship Fund has grown substantially from the first pennies contributed during Founders Day celebrations. Thoughtful contributions have enabled the Foundation to make a difference in the lives of countless members.