Mental health is not something to take lightly, and for the women of Kappa Kappa Gamma, it is what they fight to bring attention to on a year-round basis. The Eta Eta chapter, located at the University of Central Florida, was founded in 2002 and has quickly risen to be a sorority of note in the 23 years that it has been active. In the fall, the focus is on mental health, and in the spring, the focus is on their second cause, which is cystic fibrosis.
The cause Kappa promotes is the JED Foundation, which funds mental health support for teens and young adults who may not be able to afford it. The resource center is helpful and even points you in the right direction of where to get help, practice self-care, or help a friend.
Kappa’s fall philanthropy week was held from Nov. 10 to Nov. 14, with meaningful events scattered throughout the week alongside partial proceeds at Menchie’s. The first event was exclusive to Kappas only, brought to life by philanthropy director Allie George, created in partnership with Annie’s Choice, an organization near and dear to her heart from her hometown. George lost a friend in high school to suicide, and the organization was founded by the friend’s family in her memory.
As Kappa’s philanthropy director, George invited Annie’s Choice to the Kappa house that Monday night so members could feel impacted to fight for their philanthropy before the start of the week. Annie’s Choice taught members how to identify when someone is struggling mentally. They also did an activity with the girls called ‘Finding Your Anchor,’ which encouraged the sisters to find what makes them unique and value the most. Then, they have to paint it on an anchor with photos to help them remember.
“I would like for people to be able to reflect on this week and be able to be proud of what they did, whether it be our girls raising money or reflecting on their own mental health and how they’re taking care of themselves,” George said. “I would love for people to take from this week ways that they can prioritize their own mental health and ways to give back to others who are struggling with their own mental health issues.”
On Thursday afternoon, ‘Kappa Kalm,’ a yoga class held on the Kappa lawn proctored by Yoga Joint Winter Park, was attended by many sisters and friends from other organizations. The environment was welcoming, and the weather was perfect for a day of yoga. Although it was only an hour-long class, participants left feeling refreshed and ready to take on the rest of their week.
The main event was held on Nov. 14 at the Lake Claire Fields. Titled ‘Jumping for Jed,’ the event was centered around using bounce houses to relieve stress after a long day of classes. This is also the first time Kappa has done this event, and the novelty made it more highly anticipated among the sorority. The price was $10 to get in.
The field was crowded with mostly Kappas, enjoying each other’s company, bouncing between the five bounce houses, and taking pictures in front of the JED sign. The event was also open to any UCF student who wanted to take a night off and hang out with friends.
“We all need to look out for each other, and it’s an issue that affects all of us. I think it’s important that everyone is aware of mental health.”
Allie George, Director of Philanthropy for Kappa
A few of the organizations participating in the week overall even competed in an obstacle course using the biggest bounce house. Chi Omega went against Gamma Phi Beta and came out on top, while three of the frats, Theta Chi, Pi Kappa Phi, and Tau Epsilon Phi, battled it out, with Pi Kappa taking a clear victory.
While Kappa may be small here at UCF, their events have heart, and they strive to bring attention to something that can be quite hard to talk about. Supporting them this week as a writer and patron came quite easily to me, and many of the organizations on Greek Row as well. At the end of the week, they managed to raise five thousand dollars for the JED Foundation, breaking records of years past.
Congratulations to Kappa Kappa Gamma on a successful philanthropy week, and I look forward to seeing what you do in the future!