PHILANTHROPY
"TO THOSE WHOM MY LIFE MAY TOUCH IN SLIGHT MEASURE, MAY I GIVE GRACIOUSLY OF WHAT IS MINE.”
In 1954, Delta Zeta's Convention body voted to make the cause of speech and hearing our national philanthropy. Delta Zeta's members volunteer many hours for speech and hearing organizations in their communities, from tutoring children with hearing challenges to spearheading fundraising initiatives. Donations collected assist with speech programs and provide equipment and devices to those with hearing impairments who are looking for those resources. Funds also support programs aimed at hearing loss prevention.
Delta Zeta nationally supports Starkey Hearing Foundation, an organization focused on the training, educating and capacity building of the next generation of hearing care professionals in the developing world, who then give the gift of hearing to people in need. Delta Zeta also supports SeriousFun Network, which provides children living with serious illnesses with a spectacular camp experience and high-quality medical care, all in the safest and most supportive environment. We are honored to extend the opportunity for some of our members to volunteer during the summer at numerous camps across the United States. In addition, Delta Zeta supports The American Society for Deaf Children (ASDC). The American Society for Deaf Children supports and educates families of deaf and hard-of-hearing children, and advocates for high-quality programs and services.
Learn more about Starkey Hearing Foundation, SeriousFun Network and American Society For Deaf Children
LOCAL PHILANTHROPY PARTNERS
ST.LILLIAN ACADEMY
St. Lillian Academy (SLA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to building brighter futures for children and families in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
The Sigma chapter of Delta Zeta has donated over $50,000 since 2014, which has helped establish a scholarship for children to attend St. Lillian Academy.
As a chapter, we make an effort every day to visit the children at St. Lillian's by encouraging members to participate in the "weekly buddies" program. This allows us to see the difference we are making in our community and connect with these amazing children everyday.
THE EMERGE CENTER
The Emerge Center is a beacon of hope for children, adults, and families facing communication, behavior, and developmental challenges.
In 2014, The Emerge Center introduced their first ever kindergarten class and invited our chapter to come in every week and volunteer with the children.
Sigma has worked with the organization for over 50 years through volunteer efforts and philanthropic donations.
OUR PHILANTHROPY EVENTS
HOMERUNS FOR HEARING
Homeruns for a Hearing is one of our annual fall philanthropy events. The event is a baseball-style tournament held on campus that allows members of LSU's fraternities to form teams and Delta Zeta members to volunteer as coaches. Along with the tournament, there is food, music, and an opportunity to cheer on the games. All proceeds raised benefit our local and national philanthropies.
THE MISS LSU PAGEANT
The Miss LSU Pageant is our annual spring philanthropy event. Sigma has hosted the pageant since 1998 and is nationally recognized as a part of the Miss USA circuit. The Miss LSU Pageant is our biggest philanthropic fundraiser. This year's pageant raised $63.456.20 for our local and national philanthropies. All female LSU students are invited to participate in the pageant.
MOCKTAILS
Mocktails is another fall annual philanthropy event. Mocktails is one of Delta Zeta’s hallmark philanthropy events. We bring local vendors to our house for a shopping party where a portion of the proceeds go towards our local and national partners. It’s such a fun way to support Hearing and Speech while also getting cute gameday buttons, Greek art/merch, and boutique clothes. Tickets get you charcuterie-style dinner and drinks and access to our local vendors.
As members of Delta Zeta, we hold all of our philanthropies - both local and national - very close to our hearts. The following quotes have been submitted by members of our chapter who have experienced the joy of participating in these philanthropic activities.
“Volunteering at St. Lillian’s never fails to be the highlight of my week! Having the opportunity to volunteer in such an empowering and positive place is truly amazing. Through Delta Zeta, I love that I am able to immerse myself in my future field of work while also seeing first hand the difference that we make in the community through our philanthropy fundraiser events!” - Cecile Granger PC’23
“Volunteering at the Painted Turtle Camp, a summer camp for children with disabilities, taught me that true compassion knows no boundaries. I was able to make a difference in the lives of others while undergoing my own journey of personal growth. One of my favorite memories as a Delta Zeta is my time at the Painted Turtle, which I will never forget.” - Madison Keyser PC’21
“I am so thankful for Delta Zeta introducing me to The Emerge Center. Each day at work I am filled with joy, as I guide children towards improved communication and behavioral skills. This experience has been more than a job for me; it has been a stepping stone towards my dream job as a Speech-Language Pathologist.” -Sydney Lee PC’21