Mikayla Schwartz

Colgate University has eight Greek letter organizations on its campus. Each has its own unique philanthropic mission set by its national organization and chapter. Nationally, for Kappa Kappa Gamma, this initiative aims to inspire positive change, focusing on mental health and well-being. Throughout the year, Colgate’s chapter hosts multiple philanthropy events to raise money for this cause. Junior Mikayla Schwartz serves as the chapter’s philanthropy chair and heads the fundraising throughout the year.

​“Kappa Kappa Gamma centers its philanthropic efforts on mental health awareness and overall well-being. Over the past year, our chapter has partnered with the Jed Foundation, an organization dedicated to protecting emotional health and preventing suicide among teens and young adults,” Schwartz said.

To support this mission, Kappa hosts a number of events, including some of their signature events such as Kappa Kickball and an Earth Day 3k.

“One of our most beloved traditions is Kappa Kickball, held once each semester and open to the entire Colgate community. Last semester, we raised over $1,400 for the Jed Foundation with this event alone,” Schwartz said. “Our second major event is the Earth Day 3K, launched for the first time last April. It is a community-wide run created to raise funds for impactful causes. We partnered with local businesses and organizations — including the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, Flour and Salt, Hamilton Elementary School and local run clubs — and raised more than $500, which was donated to both the Jed Foundation and the Giving Green Fund.”

​While each of these events serves an important purpose, many of the chapter’s members have their personal favorite. Junior Teagan Clark shared her favorite philanthropy tradition.

​“I love our Earth Day 3k because it also helps our sustainability practices in addition to our philanthropy. It was so fun to see everyone having so much fun during the run,” Clark said.

“It was truly inspiring to see our community unite around such important causes, and I hope this event becomes an annual tradition,” Schwartz added.

The members highlighted how these events are not only enjoyable, but also sponsor causes they find important. Clark shared what it means to her to support mental health through their philanthropic mission.

​“I think mental health can often be disregarded, especially in the philanthropic sphere, and it is in itself a medical problem that should be talked about just as much as other causes,” Clark said. “I also think it is such a good cause because it affects everyone. No matter who you are, you or someone you love will experience a mental health struggle.”

In recent years, awareness regarding the importance of mental health and overall well-being has increased significantly. Kappa looks to continue this conversation in a meaningful and fulfilling way through these fun events that encourage community building and involvement. Junior Eve Huntington feels the impact of philanthropic events to pull people together.

“It creates a space to bring everyone, not only from the chapter but also outside of it, together. We all bond through it. Everyone who attends the events does so in good spirits because we get to support such a good cause together,” Huntington said.

Philanthropy is an integral part of any Greek letter organization. These missions are deeply impactful for both members and their communities. Schwartz shared why she was inspired to get involved in her role as philanthropy chair.

​“As I got older, I came to understand the powerful impact service can have — not only on the lives of others, but also on the person giving their time. I chose to get involved as Kappa’s Philanthropy Chair because I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound impact mental health challenges can have on individuals and their loved ones. Many of the organizations we partner with are deeply meaningful to me, and I wanted to play a small role in giving back to those who have given so much to me and my family,” she said.

As a member of Kappa, Clark also sees the importance of participation and involvement with the chapter’s philanthropy.

​“I think it is so important that sororities have philanthropy because it serves such a valuable purpose to those it supports,” Clark said. “It’s important to us to help our community and bond as a chapter through the act of giving back.”

If you are interested in supporting Kappa’s cause, check out @colgatekkg on Instagram for updates on their upcoming philanthropy events this semester.