As a large part of the Tech population, greeks pride themselves on community service, and, through philanthropies, they help various charities better the world.All Tech sororities and fraternities hold their own style of fundraising events to raise money for their respective philanthropies. Philanthropies are national and local nonprofit organizations each sorority and fraternity support by raising awareness and collecting donations.
Each chapter takes a turn throughout the semester, setting aside one week to focus on its adopted organization. Some participating charities include the Ronald McDonald House, Children’s Miracle Network, Prevent Child Abuse America, American Cancer Society, and Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.
“There are all kinds of neat ways chapters come up with to get greeks and other students together to raise and donate to the many different charities,” Katie Williams, greek life coordinator, said.
Chili cook offs, basketball and dodge ball tournaments, eating contests, talent shows, pageants, and relays are some of the activities greeks hold to get donations.
The Cookeville Rescue Mission recently recognized the Tech fraternities and sororities as the largest contributors of canned food for its supply closet, which help members of the community in need. The current record for most money raised by a greek chapter was in Spring 2010, when almost $17,000 was raised.
“Our students are not only focused on philanthropy and engaged in raising money,” Williams said, “but also being hands on, which is donating time to the organizations first hand.”
For more information on how you can give to one of these charities, visit www.tntech.edu/greek, or call Williams at (931) 372-6434.
