Chapter Philanthropy
As individuals with time, talent, and treasure, we first support our family, the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. Second, we participate in local projects. Our chapter supports the Jessica Herron Scholarship Fund and works with a local program called TAP (the afterschool prgoram). Third, we help Book'em, by processing books which benefits the underprivileged youth in Nashville.
We also look to the greater good and support projects with far reaching results. Kappa Kappa Gamma’s national philanthropy, Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. (RIF) is supported by every Kappa chapter. Local and national RIF projects have received $13,506 from chapters nationwide. Almost 10,000 books have been donated to libraries, elementary schools, and hospitals. Chapter women have donated 5,265 hours to reading and mentoring children through RIF.
Our chapter supports the KKG Foundation through monetary donations. These contributions will help continue the work of the Foundation in the areas of: scholarships, confidential aid, education and training, support of our Heritage Museum in Columbus, Ohio, and support of the Stewart House in Monmouth, Illinois.
The Nashville KKG Alumnae Association supports our chapter by helping during recruitment and initiation. We also join them for a yearly Sort With Your Sisters event to process books at a local non-profit Book'em. Many of the local alumnae serve on the Advisory Board and the House Board. If you would like to learn more about the Advisory Board contact Trish Smith at trishsmith54@mac.com or contact Robin Morris at robinmorris1010@yahoo.com for info about the House Board.
Support for Local Projects
Jessica Herron Memorial Scholarship Fund
Jessica Herron was an outstanding member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. She was a passionate, thoughtful, and selfless friend who we are all proud to call a sister. Her passing in 2005 marked an extremely difficult time for our chapter. One of the ways our members honor Jessica is through our contribution to the Jessica Herron Memorial Scholarship Fund. The scholarship fund has already helped to send three members of Kappa Kappa Gamma to college or graduate school. Kappa Kappa Gala donates a portion of its proceeds to the Fund each year.
Support on a National Level
Kappa Kappa Gamma has a national partnership with Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. (RIF). RIF motivates children to read by working with them, their parents, and community members to make reading a fun and beneficial part of everyday life. RIF’s highest priority is reaching underserved children from birth to age eight. Through a national network of community volunteers at 21,000 program sites, RIF provides 5 million children with 17 million new, free books and literacy resources each year. In 2002, one in every twenty-five children’s books sold in the United States was given to a child through Reading Is Fundamental. Our chapter supports RIF through weekly visits to a local Boys and Girls Club, where chapter members read to the children after school. We also donate books and literacy resources to the Boys and Girls Club.
Our Annual Philanthropy Events
Kappa Kappa Gala: Our annual Fall event that involves a musical and dance showcase of local Vanderbilt organizations with dances performed by KKG members This event benefits Reading is Fundamental, TAP and the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation.
Kappa Kookout: Our second annual Spring event, Kappa Kookout, raises funds for Reading is Fundamental.