Last year’s Kappa Kookie Gathering raised money for Reading is Fundamental, the sorority’s national philanthropy, through a bake sale and book drive.
In just its second year on the Cal Poly campus, Kappa Kappa Gamma (KKG) has already begun to make a philanthropic name for itself throughout San Luis Obispo.
After hosting its own philanthropic events, as well as involving its members in activities put on by other greek organizations, KKG is confident in its presence and involvement in the community.
“Now that we are in the middle of our third quarter on campus, we are beginning to see how we philanthropically fit into the local San Luis Obispo community and Cal Poly greek system as a whole,” said Mary Brosnan, Kappa Kappa Gamma philanthropy co-chair and kinesiology senior.
KKG’s national philanthropy is Reading is Fundamental (RIF), the nation’s largest literacy organization, which advocates for underserved communities and provides free books and literary resources for those in need.
KKG holds a number of functions that support RIF, including last year’s Kappa Kookie Gathering, which raised money through a bake sale and book drive. Their first philanthropy event of the school year is Kappa Kickball on Saturday, which involves 12 Cal Poly fraternities competing in a kickball tournament. All team entry fees go to RIF.
“We were looking for something that was fun, well-suited to the Cal Poly campus and would raise funds for RIF,” Brosnan said. “We also participate in campus focus philanthropies such as Up ’til Dawn supporting St. Jude’s and Relay for Life, as well as volunteering in the community at local organizations such as Wood’s Humane Society.”
In addition to supporting its own philanthropy, KKG has also participated in larger events within the community. This past Saturday, several members took part in Make a Difference Day alongside many other greek organizations. Sorority members traveled to Morro Bay, where they worked in a garden at a Montessori school.
“Kappa has worked really hard to develop relationships throughout the community and campus, and we have a partnership with the Paso Robles Boys and Girls club,” Brosnan said. “The local Barnes and Noble has also recently decided to help support RIF as their November philanthropy.”
New members have also expressed passion for Kappa’s involvement with RIF.
“Having volunteered in the past with a program aimed at increasing literacy in elementary schools, Kappa’s philanthropy with RIF is something I’m excited to become more involved with,” communication studies freshman and KKG pledge Jordan Baxter said.
In addition to benefiting the charitable organizations, KKG members are also finding benefits from their own volunteerism.
“Our philanthropy opportunities give our members the ability to reach out in the community, support different efforts and develop passion for service to others,” Brosnan said.
Although RIF is KKG’s national philanthropy, supporting other local organizations is also encouraged.
“Each collegiate chapter supports this organization (RIF) in their own way,” said Sarah Ford, KKG’s chapter consultant. “It’s a unique opportunity because each chapter and alumnae association has the freedom to choose how they want to support it, which allows our members to be able to respond to the greatest needs as they arise at the local campus, community or throughout the nation. Along with RIF, we encourage the chapters to support other philanthropic efforts in the local community.”
In terms of philanthropic expansion, the sorority plans to increase all aspects of involvement.
“We are planning on broadening our types of events to make sure that many clubs and student groups across the community will get involved,” Brosnan said. “We are excited to begin planning more events with the connections that we have worked hard to make with the local San Luis Obispo Community.”
Through all the activity, Brosnan said KKG has only had one problem with their philanthropy: deciding where to volunteer next.
“There are so many great local organizations to support as we work towards our goal of becoming a chapter well-rounded in the diversity of organizations we choose to pursue,” Brosnan said.