Alpha Chi Omega, Gamma Theta's philanthropy is Domestic Violence Awareness. This is something we are so passionate about and are very grateful to be a part of. Read more about our events and efforts to spread awareness about DVA:
Night of the Carnation - In Spring 2017, we held our first annual Night of the Carnation event paired up with Delta Sigma Phi. For our first annual event, there were over 500 guests and we raised over $14,000 to split between the House of Ruth, Maryland, and the American Red Cross. It was a beautiful gala with a guest speaker from the House of Ruth, live music including a performance by UMD's Treblemakers, raffle prizes, and food catered by Mission BBQ. This success continued in 2018 as we raised over $12,000 and donated our proceeds to the House of Ruth.
In our third year, in a challenge to host this event completely on our own, we were able to raise over $10,000 in our chapter alone. We are so grateful to have such passionate sisters hitting all-time records in efforts to give back to the House of Ruth.
Pizza Pies with Alpha Chi - Our first annual Pizza Pies with Alpha chi event was in the Fall of 2019 where we partnered up with Potomac Pizza to sell pizza, mozzarella sticks, and sweet treats and raise awareness about DVA. We raised around $5,000 that we were able to donate to My Sister's Place, a women's shelter. We are very excited to continue to create more events to spread awareness about DVA as well as interact with other chapters on campus.
Kicking Out Sexual Assault - In 2018, Alpha Chi Omega partnered with Zeta Beta Tau to co-host a philanthropy event called "Kicking Out Sexual Assault." In a friendly game of bubble soccer, our two chapters were able to raise approximately $2,000 for Jewish Women's International while also enjoying a fun competition!
Run for Love - Run for Love is our second Fall philanthropy event. This event is a 5k, and this year we paired with Zeta Psi fraternity to cosponsor the event. Run for Love is in honor of Yeardly Love, a UVA Lacrosse player who was tragically taken by domestic violence. Love was a Maryland native and a Kappa Alpha Theta at the University of Virginia. Run for Love raised approximately $10,000 to benefit the One Love Foundation in 2019.
These Hands Don't Hurt Banners - Each year during DVA month (October), other fraternities and sororities on campus volunteer to put their handprints on a banner to show their support for Domestic Violence Awareness. This is a great way to not only show support for our fellow Greek chapters, but also strengthen the DVA presence. In our gallery below, you can see other chapters and their banners throughout the years.
Donuts for Love - Each February, during Healthy Relationships Week the sisters of Alpha Chi Omega table in front of STAMP with free donuts and flyers about Healthy Relationships Week. This is a way to educate others about Healthy Relationships Week and sign on the poster what "love is" to them.