Community Service
Sigma Kappa Sorority
provides many opportunities for members to become involved in community
service and philanthropic projects. Local community
service projects we participate in include Race for the Cure,
Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk, canned food drives supporting the
local Food Bank and Service Raleigh, a citywide day of service
organized, planned and executed by students. We also participate in the
annual Dance Marathon at NCSU, benefiting the North Carolina Children’s
Hospital and Panhellenic Service Day, serving as greeters during NCSU
Open House. A few of the events you can find Sigma Kappa members
supporting fellow Greek philanthropies are Sigma Chi Derby Days (Frankie
Lemmon School and Developmental Center), Delta Gamma Anchor Splash
(visually impaired) and bowling with Delta Sigma Phi (American Cancer
Society).
Sigma Kappa Foundation
The Sigma
Kappa Foundation was founded in 1962 and supports the educational and
philanthropic endeavors of Sigma Kappa Sorority. Originally founded as
a trust, the Foundation was incorporated in 1989 as a 501(c)(3)
organization, making it a not-for-profit corporation. The Foundation
helps to arrange educational programming and speakers as well as helping
to promote leadership development and programs. The Foundation also
assists in coordinating donations, materials, and programs for research
in Alzheimer's disease and gerontology and contributions to the Maine
Sea Coast Mission. The Sigma Kappa Foundation receives its funding
through the generosity of collegiate and alumnae members, collegiate and
alumnae chapters, and from outside private and individual contributions.
Sigma Kappa chapters
across the country support our national philanthropies which include:
Alzheimer's
Disease
Alzheimer's
disease research and education is our main philanthropy. In 1984 Sigma
Kappa responded to an increasingly critical problem facing older
Americans by adding Alzheimer's disease research and education to its
philanthropic activities. Research grants are made each year to
universities and other institutions actively engaged in the fight
against Alzheimer's disease. Nationally, Sigma Kappa donates over
$500,000 in support of research. Each fall, every Sigma Kappa chapter
sells lollipops on their campus and in the community for this cause.
Sigma Kappas at NCSU also participate in the annual Memory Walk
organized by the Raleigh chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.
The Maine Sea
Coast Mission
Since 1918
Sigma Kappa has paid homage to its Maine roots by supporting the
activities of the Maine Sea Coast Mission. This is in honor
of our five founders from Maine. The Maine Sea Coast Mission
delivers critical services to people in need while striving to redress
the root causes of those needs. With the help of the 75-foot mission
vessel, Sunbeam V, programs and services include church and pastoral
work, assistance to those in sickness and poverty, financial aid, food
banks, recycled clothing shops, crisis intervention, youth programs, and
ministries in the field. Each November, Sigma Kappa donates funds for medical aid,
food, clothing, toys, etc. to the Mission, which benefits families
residing on the islands from mid-coast to down east Maine, as well as
mainland Hancock and Washington counties. The gifts are delivered in
December by boat, which is known to locals as the “Santa Claus Cruise”.
Gerontology
In 1954 Sigma Kappa became the first national sorority to recognize the
need for continued, comprehensive work on the study of aging and the
needs of elderly populations. Collegian and alumnae members throughout
the country volunteer their time and talent in support of numerous
projects to assist and benefit the elderly. Locally, Sigma Kappas at
NCSU volunteer at Morningside Nursing Home, where we spend time doing
crafts and hosting parties. We also adopt a local senior woman as our
“Grandmother” through our “Adopt-A-Grandmother” program. Past projects
have included planting flowers and home visits to drop off treats.
Inherit the Earth
Adopted in 1992,
Inherit the Earth is Sigma Kappa's national gerontology service project,
which not only combines its interest in senior citizens with an interest
in the environment, but also raises awareness of environmental issues
and solutions. Through Inherit the Earth, collegians, alumnae and older
citizens work together to improve local environments.
