PHILANTHROPY
"TO THOSE WHOM MY LIFE MAY TOUCH IN SLIGHT MEASURE, MAY I GIVE GRACIOUSLY OF WHAT IS MINE.”
In 1954, Delta Zeta's Convention body voted to make the cause of speech and hearing our national philanthropy. Delta Zeta's members volunteer many hours for speech and hearing organizations in their communities, from tutoring children with hearing challenges to spearheading fundraising initiatives. Donations collected assist with speech programs and provide equipment and devices to those with hearing impairments who are looking for those resources. Funds also support programs aimed at hearing loss prevention.
Delta Zeta nationally supports Starkey Hearing Foundation, an organization focused on the training, educating and capacity building of the next generation of hearing care professionals in the developing world, who then give the gift of hearing to people in need. Delta Zeta also supports SeriousFun Network, which provides children living with serious illnesses with a spectacular camp experience and high-quality medical care, all in the safest and most supportive environment. We are honored to extend the opportunity for some of our members to volunteer during the summer at numerous camps across the United States.
Learn more about Starkey Hearing Foundation and SeriousFun Network
LOCAL PHILANTHROPY PARTNERS
ST.LILLIAN ACADEMY
St. Lillian Academy (SLA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to building brighter futures for children and families in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
The Sigma chapter of Delta Zeta has donated over $75,000 since 2014, which has helped establish a scholarship for children to attend St. Lillian Academy.
As a chapter, we make an effort every day to visit the children at St. Lillian's by encouraging members to participate in the "weekly buddies" program. This allows us to see the difference we are making in our community and connect with these amazing children everyday.
THE EMERGE CENTER
The Emerge Center is a beacon of hope for children, adults, and families facing communication, behavior, and developmental challenges.
In 2014, The Emerge Center introduced their first ever kindergarten class and invited our chapter to come in every week and volunteer with the children.
Sigma has worked with the organization for over 50 years through volunteer efforts and philanthropic donations.
OUR PHILANTHROPY EVENTS
HOMERUNS FOR HEARING
Homeruns for a Hearing is one of our annual fall philanthropy events. The event is a baseball-style tournament held on campus that allows members of LSU's fraternities to form teams and Delta Zeta members to volunteer as coaches. Along with the tournament, there is food, music, and an opportunity to cheer on the games. All proceeds raised benefit our local and national philanthropies.
THE MISS LSU PAGEANT
The Miss LSU Pageant is our annual spring philanthropy event. Sigma has hosted the pageant since 1998 and is nationally recognized as a part of the Miss USA circuit. The Miss LSU Pageant is our biggest philanthropic fundraiser. This year's pageant raised $63.456.20 for our local and national philanthropies. All female LSU students are invited to participate in the pageant.
MOCKTAILS
Mocktails is another fall annual philanthropy event. Mocktails is one of Delta Zeta’s hallmark philanthropy events. We bring local vendors to our house for a shopping party where a portion of the proceeds go towards our local and national partners. It’s such a fun way to support Hearing and Speech while also getting cute gameday buttons, Greek art/merch, and boutique clothes. Tickets get you charcuterie-style dinner and drinks and access to our local vendors.
As members of Delta Zeta, we hold all of our philanthropies - both local and national - very close to our hearts. The following quotes have been submitted by members of our chapter who have experienced the joy of participating in these philanthropic activities.
“Through our partnership with The Emerge Center, I have the unique opportunity to see that impact firsthand. As someone who works closely with the therapists, children, and families at The Emerge Center, I witness the incredible difference this organization makes in the lives of children with autism and communication challenges. I am grateful to be part of a sisterhood that is passionate about making a meaningful difference, and I am especially proud of the impact we can have through our support of The Emerge Center. ” - Emily Guilbeau, PC ’23
“Going to St. Lillian’s and LSDVI truly changed my outlook on our philanthropy. With all the busyness of college, weekly buddies helped keep me grounded and soon became what I looked forward to the most. Getting the opportunity to get to know each child reminded me of what DZ is truly about and how just one hour a week can change a person’s life. From this experience, I have learned the joy of serving others and I know now what it means to truly have “love that is ever steadfast.” - Laney Durio, PC ’25
“The staff at LSDVI are so kind, supportive, and welcoming. They encourage the kids to communicate with us, ask us questions, and practice their signing, which makes every visit meaningful. One of my favorite parts has been seeing the kids grow and become more confident over time. Volunteering at LSDVI has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my college years, and I always look forward to going back.” -Arden Johnson, PC ‘23
“The past two summers, I have had the honor of attending two different SeriousFun camps. These experiences have been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to help children enjoy a true camp experience without letting their medical conditions define their week. Every day is filled with laughter, positivity, and unforgettable memories, and it has been inspiring to see campers simply be kids while making lifelong friendships. The impact that SeriousFun has on children and families around the world is truly incredible, and I am grateful to have been a small part of its mission.” -Mia Burtch-Mince, PC ’23
“My trip with the Starkey Hearing Foundation was truly life-changing. I was given the opportunity to travel to Zambia with the Starkey Hearing Foundation. Together, we provided hearing healthcare to the communities in Africa. We also attended the graduation of the incredible students of the Starkey Hearing Insititute. Meeting the graduates and hearing their stories was one of the greatest honors of the journey. Seeing firsthand how hearing heathcare is changing the world left me inspired, grateful, and proud to play a small part in making the world a better place.” - Abigail DiCristina, PC ‘24