The women of Sigma Kappa are always excited about philanthropy! Throughout the year, Sigma Kappa hosts several events to raise awareness and money for each of our three philanthopies. During 2006-2007 over $87,304 was raised nationally for Alzheimer's reasearch during the annual Lollipop sale and $132,453 was raised for all other philanthopies. Sigma Kappa's across the nation also gave 151,613 hours of their time volunteering.
Alzheimer's Research
Sigma Kappa's national philanthopy is gerontology, with a focus on Alzheimer's research. Gerontology was chosen in 1954 when Sigma Kappa recognized the need for continous, comprehensive work on the study of aging and the needs of elderly populations. 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. Each fall, we participate in the national Sigma Kappa Lollipop Sale, host a haunted house, and join other chapters in the Alzheimer's Memory Walk.
Maine Sea Coast Mission
To pay tribute to our Maine roots (where Sigma Kappa was founded), in 1918 the Maine Sea Coast
Mission was chosen to be a national philanthropy. The 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, direct programs and services include church and pastoral work,
assistance to those in sickness and poverty, financial aid, food banks, food banks, recycled
clothing shops, crisis intervention, youth programs, and ministries in the field.
Inherit the Earth
Inherit the Earth was added as a national philanthropy to help tie together Sigma Kappa's interest in the elderly with its interest in the environment. This allows us to work together with older citizens. Each year, we participate in several campus clean-up projects to help keep our campus green.
Above: Sigma Kappas at different philanthropy events, including their win at the Delta Zeta Tug of War Contest and volunteer work!