| Gamma Phi Beta's local philanthropy is the Eileen Tehan Golf Tournament which is held every year in the fall at Alvamar Golf Couse. This philanthropy is a remembrance of Eileen Tehan, who was a member of Gamma Phi Beta at the University of Kansas, who unfortunately passed away at a young age. Her family wanted to have a charity event to remember her. The money raised from the golf tournament goes to the Kaw Valley Center, which helps send children to a variety camps, which they typicaly couldn't attend due to financial reasons. In the past years Gamma Phi Beta at the University of Kansas has raised up to $10,000.
Gamma Phi Beta International has a long history of outstanding philanthropic and community service. Although not founded as a philanthropic organization, giving back to the community is an important part of our charter. As an organization committed to women, we envision a community in which every girl and woman has the resiliency necessary to advance her own life and the lives of others. Our philanthropic activities aim to provide experiences and resources that build spiritual, mental and social resiliency in girls. Some philanthropic projects are fundraisers and others involve service. Many of our chapters do both while focusing as much as possible on the Sorority's international philanthropy, camping for girls. Gamma Phi Beta supports camping for a variety of reasons:
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Visionary Cause -- While some philanthropy goes out of style, camping for girls adapts to the current needs of society. Recent studies have shed light on the positive benefits of camping experiences for children at risk. The future is in the hands of today's children.
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Diversity -- Camping for girls can be adapted to meet the needs of current societal issues and concerns. Our collegiate and alumnae chapters may choose to support Camp Fire USA and/or other local camps that deal with specific issues, such as an abusive home or a disability.
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Local Community Involvement -- Every Gamma Phi Beta member or chapter can become involved in camping for girls. All communities offer camping experiences. Members and chapters may support a wide range of camps and campers with hands-on service or monetary gifts.
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Preventative Programming -- Unlike many philanthropic causes that address a problem, camping for girls is a proactive means to prevent problems. The wholesome, nurturing experience of camping for young girls can have a positive impact on lives during crucial formative years.
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Women's Issues -- Gamma Phi Beta's focus on camping for girls helps provide more dollars for girls' programs, which have always been under funded compared to camping programs for boys.
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Environmental Appreciation -- As our society becomes more urbanized, a camping experience may be the necessary link to nature for young girls. A portion of the Sorority's Philanthropic programs are funded by the Gamma Phi Beta Foundation . The Foundation also provides supplemental funding to enhance a chapter's financial gift to any local camp.
In 2003-2004 Gamma Phi Beta chapters in North America contributed over $80,000 to support over 50 different camps.
In addition to the financial support provided to camps, Gamma Phi Beta chapters in North America donated $58,865 to other charitable causes. |
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