The members of Kappa Kappa Gamma are all very proud of our commitment to philanthropy. As sisters, we participate actively in all philanthropic events of other Greek chapters on campus, in addition to Dance Marathon and Relay for Life. Reading is Fundamental, the national philanthropy of KKG, is served in two ways: donating books annually and reading with children four days a week. Our main events include Kappa Karaoke, Walk to the Arch, and Lydia’s House.
Kappa Karaoke
This is our primary philanthropic event. It is held each March to benefit both Reading is Fundamental through children’s book donations and Lydia’s House via financial contributions. It is open to all Greek chapters, and each year over 500 people crowd the Gargoyle at Washington University for this phenomenal karaoke competition. In 2005, Kappa Karaoke donated over $1200 and collected over 300 children’s books for the YMCA.
Walk to the Arch
At the start of each fall term, the Gamma Iota chapter of KKG takes pledges to walk from the steps of Brookings to the St. Louis Arch to benefit the Rose McGill fund. This fund has been set up to give grants to Kappas who have found themselves in a financial emergency and just need a little help to get back on their feet again. This event is an excellent sisterhood opportunity (it takes all morning to walk there!) and allows us donate over $500 to this great cause each year.
Lydia's House
The sisters of KKG volunteer at this transitional home for battered women and their children four days a week. We work with their after school and child care programs to help the children learn to read and become comfortable in their new home. We also make Valentine’s Day decorations each year and support the staff of Lydia’s House in additional fundraisers each semester. For more information on Lydia’s House, please visit www.lydiashouse.org.
Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation
The Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation supports all members of Kappa Kappa Gamma through four program areas:
Scholarships. No deserving, qualified Kappa should have to interrupt her education. The Foundation awards annual scholarships to qualified Kappas to help cover the rising costs of higher education. For the 2002-2004 biennium, $936,681 was awarded to outstanding Kappa scholars.
Rose McGill Fund. No Kappa sister should suffer in times of financial distress. The Rose McGill Fund, established in 1922, has many programs which give confidential aid to deserving Kappas of all ages who suddenly and unexpectedly find themselves in financial need due to misfortune or illness. During the 2002-2004 biennium, the Rose McGill Programs provided $760,762 in support.
Educational & Leadership Programming. Every Kappa should have an opportunity to develop as a person and as part of a group. The Foundation supports the development and use of educational programs that benefit our membership. The Kappa Trainer visits provide chapters and alumnae associations with workshops in leadership training, goal setting, wellness and personal safety issues, as well as various other topics. The Leadership Academy is designed to help emerging leaders build strong leadership skills. Undergraduate members and advisors from all chapters come together to develop new skills and form lifelong friendships.
Museums. All Kappas should have the opportunity to learn about their history as Kappas and as women. The Foundation supports the operation of The Heritage Museum in Columbus, Ohio, and The Stewart House Museum in Monmouth, Illinois. These museums depict the life and times of our Founders and women of the Victorian period, feature exhibits from the archives of the Fraternity, and develop programs such as "Archives in a Box" and the multi-media project, "The Voyage of Discovery."
