November is a time of reflection that inspires us to be thankful for all the good things around us. With each falling leaf, we are reminded of the special things in our life. As we gather to share in precious moments, we realize the deeper essence of gratitude – generosity.
On November 29, the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation is participating in Giving Tuesday, a global day of unity and giving. Our organization continues to foster the Real. Strong. Women. ® Experience by meeting the needs of sisters at all stages of life. This is all possible through a sisterhood of generosity.
Joan Stephans (Alpha Iota, University of Vermont) encourages her sisters to support one another this Giving Tuesday.
“Take time to reflect on what Alpha Chi Omega has meant to you and how you might connect with our mission. Get involved. A good start will be to support Giving Tuesday, to be generous and give without expecting anything in return. You may find you are rewarded with something money can’t buy!”
This year, on the 10th anniversary of Giving Tuesday, Alpha Chi Omega is raising money for four funds that provide direct support for our sisters:
1. Alpha Chi Assistance Fund: Member assistance fund that provides aid to collegiate and alumnae members facing financial difficulty due to emergencies or crises.
2. Alpha Chi Educational Assistance Fund: Educational assistance fund used to provide need-based scholarships to collegiate and alumnae members to help pay for educational expenses.
3. Disaster Relief Fund: Member assistance fund that provides support to collegiate and alumnae members impacted by natural disasters.
4. Real. Strong. Women. Fund: Annual fund that gives the flexibility to support the greatest needs of the Fraternity and today’s members, which include programming and educational initiatives.
Tracey Coleman (Zeta Omicron, Vanderbilt University) shares her time serving as the Educational Assistance Committee chair and has seen the impact of donors’ gifts.
"I have served on the Educational Assistance Committee for several years, and each term I am both moved by the circumstances affecting many of our sisters and proud that we are able to make a difference in their lives. The EAC grants are need-based awards for educational expenses, and each applicant must provide data to demonstrate her financial need. She may have a parent who lost their business due to the COVID-19 pandemic, or a parent who is in prison, or a sibling with a serious illness that has drained the family finances. She may be an alumna seeking a fresh start in life by pursuing a graduate degree. These women are involved with Alpha Chi Omega, volunteer with campus and community organizations, and often hold down a job in addition to their class schedule. The size of the EA Committee has doubled in the last couple years as we have been receiving so many more applications; we wish we could fulfill every request, but we are grateful for every donor whose gifts allow us to help as many sisters as possible."
We appreciate each and every donation to the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation. To give back this Giving Tuesday, visit our online giving page. Thank you for helping Alpha Chi Omega to continue to provide transformational experiences for sisters everywhere!