Negative stereotypes of Greek life are more often portrayed in the media than positive aspects. What these stereotypes fail to acknowledge is the philanthropy that goes on in these organizations, and how this community service helps countless people all over the country.

All Greek chapters have a philanthropic organization or cause they support. At least once, but often multiple times a year, members of the chapter host events to raise money for charity.

The impact of these events is tremendous. Although most proceeds go to charities that operate nationally, the effects of Greek philanthropy can also be observed in the local community.

Dallas Haynes, vice president of philanthropy at Pi Beta Phi sorority, is the event organizer of “Pi Burger Phri,” a local fundraiser that took place on April 5. The event raised money by selling tickets for South Fork-catered burgers, pies and fries. All proceeds went to the sorority’s foundation, Read > Lead > Achieve, to benefit literacy.

“It’s really important to us that we fundraise in our community and have a big presence in it,” Haynes said.

Pi Beta Phi members also held a book drive at the local Wal-Mart on March 2. A lot of the work that Pi Beta Phi sorority women do includes going into schools and working one-on-one with children, Haynes said.

WSU Alpha Gamma Rho and Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternities recently held a joint philanthropy to raise money for Ben Cushing, a TKE brother who was recently diagnosed with cancer. Their philanthropic efforts raised awareness for Cushing’s GoFundMe, which has raised $20,000 over two months.

It’s amazing to see how Greek houses band together to support fellow WSU students.

I am a member of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority, and our chapter hosted its annual “Alpha Male” philanthropy to benefit Strike Out Arthritis!. We had a three-day long event where local fraternities donated money to participate in a wiffle-ball tournament and serenade competition. The fraternities that participated helped us raise over $400.

In my experience, Greek chapters can only hold a small number of philanthropies a year because of the time, effort and planning that goes into these events. Members put in hard work behind the scenes to host a successful philanthropy.

Critics may question how much of the fundraising money actually goes to the organizations we pledge to support. However, as per my knowledge, the expenses to host an event are funded by the Greek chapter’s annual budget. Thus, the money generated by philanthropies goes straight to the charities themselves.

On March 31, WSU Delta Delta Delta sorority held its annual “Tri Hop” fundraiser. Members of the chapter sold tickets to an event where participants could eat an unlimited number of pancakes. The philanthropy was a huge success, and over $7,500 in proceeds were donated to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Sasha Schuster, philanthropy chair at Kappa Delta sorority, said their chapter raised almost $4,000 for the organizations Families Together of the Palouse and Prevent Child Abuse America. Members of the sorority worked diligently to host their annual “Shamrock” philanthropy, which included a series of events including a corn dog sale, wing eating contest and soccer tournament.

Philanthropy is a major reason why many people join Greek life. As members of Greek organizations, it is our responsibility to ensure that the value of selfless charity makes a lasting impact on the lives of people not only nationwide, but in our very own communities.

Geana Javier is a sophomore economics major from Seattle. She can be contacted at 335-2290 or by [email protected]. The opinions expressed in this column are not necessarily those of the staff of The Daily Evergreen or those of The Office of Student Media.