As members of the University of Georgia Greek System, as well as members of the Kappa Alpha Theta fraternity, we participate in a wide variety of service-oriented activities. Among such activities is our national philanthropy, CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates.
In 1977, a Seattle judge conceived the idea of using trained community volunteers to speak for the best interests of abused and neglected children in court. So successful was this program that soon judges across the country began utilizing citizen advocates. In 1990, the US Congress encouraged the expansion of CASA programs with passage of the Victims of Child Abuse Act.
Today, CASA has grown to a network of more than 50,000 volunteers that serve 225,000 abused and neglected children through 900+ local program offices nationwide. Their advocates, also known as volunteer guardians ad litem in some jurisdictions, are appointed members of the court. Judges rely on the information these trusted advocates present.
On March 27, Theta hosted its Sixth Annual Barbecue fundraiser for CASA on the front lawn. Nearly 1,000 guests and Thetas were in attendance for the event to sample some great barbecue and listen to the Eric Dodd Band. A new feature for this year’s fundraiser was a barbecue eating contest. Representatives from 13 fraternities participated in the contest with Theta Chi winning the competition and the grand prize – a new grill!
Theta members played a huge role in the success of this year’s event from helping promote the event to preparing and serving the barbecue plates. It is estimated that the barbecue generated over $3,000 which will benefit CASA and the Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation.
Beyond CASA, our Gamma Delta chapter is very active in H.E.R.O. Hearts Everywhere Reaching Out. It is the only organization in the state of Georgia dedicated to improving the quality of life of children affected by HIV/AIDS. For two years running, Theta has raised the most money of any other Greek organization. To recognize our efforts, Georgia head football coach Mark Richt has come to eat dinner at our house!
Our chapter avidly supports fellow Greek philantrhopies including SDT's Greek Grind, Sig Ep Haunted House, Gamma Phi Beta Chili Cook-off, DZ Wing Bash, Beta Chorale Cup, Pi Kappa Phi War of the Roses, Sigma Chi Derby Days, ADPi Teetor-Totter, Pi Phi-esta..to name just a few! Our girls are also actively involved with many Athens-Clarke County outreach projects and UGA University activities including Big Brother/Big Sister, child mentoring, Habitat for Humanity, and Relay for Life.
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