The Make-A-Wish Foundation
Because service to humanity is such a vital part of who Chi Omega is and the enormous potential of our volunteerism, the leadership of Chi Omega spent the year 2000 researching the possibility of establishing a national philanthropy. A Steering Committee was created with members from both Chi Omega Fraternity and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Every segment of Chi Omega was represented on this committee. Working closely with the Make-A-Wish® Steering Committee members, the program guidelines were drawn up and presented at Convention 2002.
This is a very exciting time for both Chi Omega and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Both of our organizations embarked on a new adventure and all Chi Omegas played a very important part in determining the success of our joint venture. This exciting alliance between Chi Omega and the Make-A-Wish Foundation provided a common goal for every Chi Omega collegiate and alumnae chapter; increased the visibility of Chi Omega's volunteerism and philanthropy nationwide; and combined the prestige of a national charity with grassroots support. In our first year, we experienced great enthusiasm and involvement in the alliance that permeated throughout our chapters. More than $216,000 was raised to provide wishes through the Make-A-Wish chapters all over the country. There were also thousands of volunteer hours recorded from Chi Omegas. During the fall 2003 semester Chi Omega raised $309,780.77 and gave 6,988 volunteers hours to help grant wishes to children. This brings our 2 year totals up to $836,373.43 and our volunteer hours up to 20,799. What a wonderful example of the community service spirit of Chi Omegas across our country.
The Chi Omega Foundation by Summer Crawley
The Chi Omega Foundation was established to offer the largest women’s fraternal organization opportunities for scholarship and leadership. As Foundation Ambassador, I serve as a liaison with the Chi Omega Foundation and Chi Kappa to provide updates on scholarship opportunities and donations to our sisters. Every spring, Chi Kappa awards one or two sisters with the Chi Kappa Scholarship. This scholarship is supported by both the Foundation and the Chapter and can only be awarded to a Chi Kappa sister. Other scholarships include the Mary Love Collins Memorial Scholarship and the Elizabeth Carmichael Orman Memorial Scholarship, both named after extraordinary Chi Omega women who dedicated their lives to helping the young women of Chi Omega reach their goals. Other resources the Foundation provides include leadership training through National Panhellenic programs such as the Substance Abuse and Awareness Toolkit, known as Alcohol.Edu, national conventions such as the Leadership Institute and National Consultants for each chapter. www.chiomega.com/everyday is a great way for sisters to stay up to date on Chi Omega news, scholarship opportunities, shopping, job opportunities, and other resources.