The University of New Mexico Panhellenic sorority organizations are organizing fundraisers for their chapter’s philanthropies.
Two of UNM’s four Panhellenic Council (PHC) sororities, Kappa Kappa Gamma and Chi Omega, have already had their major fundraising events for the semester.
Kappa Kappa Gamma’s fall semester fundraiser “Kappa Karnival” took place last Saturday, Oct. 27 and raised money for the sorority’s philanthropy Reading is Fundamental. Reading is Fundamental is the largest non-profit literacy organization in the U.S.
The event included food and drinks, and featured a dunk tank, carnival games, a bouncy house, and obstacle courses for guest to enjoy. Each guest was given 10 tickets to spend at different parts of the carnival.
“Its (money raised) is for children that don’t have the money or funds to buy books,” said Erin DeBee, philanthropy chair for Kappa Kappa Gamma. “Which affects them in high school, college, the workplace.”
Chi Omega’s annual “Hallo-wing Fling” occured on Saturday, Oct. 20 and helped raise money for the sorority’s philanthropy Make-A-Wish Foundation. The chapter’s fundraising has helped grant six wishes and plans on granting its seventh wish in the spring.
The ‘Hallo-wing Fling” was catered by Buffalo Wild Wings and Insomnia Cookies. A raffle also took place to raise more money. The event also included a DJ in the chapter house courtyard.
Meghan Goodart, philanthropy chair for Chi Omega, said all funds are given directly to the community.
“All the funds raised directly go back to grant wishes to an eligible child right here in New Mexico.”
The chapter also has other fundraising events and activities such as bake sales, but their annual fling is the chapter’s major source of fundraising.
The other two PHC sororities, Alpha Chi Omega and Pi Beta Phi, have upcoming events later this semester.
Alpha Chi Omega’s philanthropy event for the semester, “Omega Man” is a male beauty pageant that involves UNM students competing and helping to raise awareness for domestic violence.
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“We do our best to raise awareness to domestic violence and help promote healthy relationships,” said Tram Le, Alpha Chi Omega’s philanthropy chair.
The event will take place Nov.15 at 6 p.m. in the Student Union Building in ballrooms B and C. The event will cost $10 in advance and $12 at the door.
Pi Beta Phi plans on having their philanthropy event later in the semester for the organization’s philanthropy, Read Lead Achieve.
“Read Lead Achieve… inspires a lifelong love of reading that can unlock true potential creating a more literate and productive society,” according to Pi Beta Phi’s website.
Panhellenic sororities will also be hosting events during the next spring semester.
Matthew Zank is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. He can be contacted by email at news@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @reportermattz.
