Philanthropy

Part of our responsibility as Theta Phi Alphas is to care for and to make a commitment to those who are less fortunate than ourselves. Advancing philanthropic interests is a part of Theta Phi Alpha's mission and such interest is promoted throughout the collegiate experience and beyond, during the alumnal years. Volunteering our services to the community in several different ways is important to our mission as a fraternal organization. In an attempt to help others, Theta Phi Alpha chapters, Alumnae Associations, and individual sisters have supported local and national philanthropic activities and community service. (Thetaphialpha.org) Through the Founders' Foundation, Theta Phi Alpha supports two national philanthropic causes: Glenmary Lay Missioners and The House That Theta Phi Alpha Built. All Theta Phi Alphas hold both causes to close to their hearts.

The House That Theta Phi Alpha Built is Theta Phi Alpha's newest philanthropic cause, established in 1993. The common goal through The House is to improve the plight of the homeless in any way. The chapter can seek to provide assistance to organizations that help the homeless, shelters, home building or neighborhood revitalization projects. This goal permits all Theta Phi Alphas to help those in need in their own community, while remaining united in our aim and purpose. Theta Phi Alpha was just featured in East-Mag for their devotion to Habitat for Humanity.

Glenmary's work is in depressed rural areas of the United States, primarily in the Appalachian Mountains, where they distribute food, clothing, and books to needy persons, and assist in providing medical care, job training and tutoring. They also host a summer camp for inpoverished children called Camp Friendship. Theta Phi Alpha sisters from all over the nation volunteer at Camp Friendship.

Not only do we support our national philanthropies, but we also target causes that have affected our sisters or have an impact on us. Some of the great philanthropies that we have helped include The Lupus Foundation, The American Heart Association, The Susan G, Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and Women and Children in Poverty. This year we raised over $1,500 for the American Heart Association and $1,700 for The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. Each year we hold an annual event called "Theta Phi Cutie Pie". All of the proceeds go to The American Heart Association. We also do a Trick or Treat for canned goods event on Halloween. Every can that's collected is sent to a local food shelter to help those in need.