Grace Gill ’17
Name: Grace Gill
Year: Sophomore
Major: Classics and Sociology
Hometown: Bridgehampton, NY
Event Name: Kappa Kisses
Where are the proceeds going for Kappa Kisses?
ConnSACS – Connecticut Sexual Assault Crisis Services is an incredible coalition of individual sexual assault crisis programs that works to end sexual violence through victim assistance, community education, and public policy advocacy. Their mission statement “to end sexual violence and ensure high quality, comprehensive, and culturally competent sexual assault victim services” is clear and focuses on what is, in my opinion, one of today’s most pressing and under-publicized issues.
How did you come up with this idea?
Obviously around the Valentine’s Day holiday there is a huge emphasis on relationships, love, sex, appreciation, etc., on campus and in the media. As a feminist and a sociology major, I have spent a lot of time studying violence against women; however, involving myself in this organization has made me realize I knew barely anything about the severity and harsh reality of sexual violence. Consent has become a huge topic of conversation amongst college students, especially considering the rising number of sexual assault cases being seen across the country. I felt that Valentine’s Day was the perfect opportunity to raise awareness for the importance of consent and sexual violence on a day that celebrates love. In other words, every rose has its thorn and by working together, raising awareness and money for CONNSACS, we are hoping to help the fight for safe, consensual, meaningful relationships, as well as support victims who have been sexually assaulted.
What is your role within Kappa? Where did that interest come from?
I’ve been the representative for philanthropy within my pledge class the past two semesters. I’ve always had a strong passion for community service, which was also one of my biggest reasons for wanting to be a part of Kappa. All clichés aside, the number one thing my grandfather taught me was to give back, and I’ve been involved with various projects wherever I can.
The first major community service project I took on was in high school. Through generous donations, my best friend and I were granted the opportunity to travel to a school founded for children of the Rwandan genocide. With textbook prices on the rise, we found free resources online, which we uploaded to Nooks and educated the students on how to use them. Giving back is the single greatest feeling I think anyone could ever feel, and I am just grateful that I am able to do my part, however big or small that may be.
How can people participate in the event?
We have made ourselves available during lunch and dinner a couple days a week for the last 2 weeks. For just a dollar, though we’re open to any donation, you can send a bag of Hershey kisses to someone special, either anonymously or not, with a message attached for Valentine’s Day. All you need to do is sign up, write down the details, and we do everything else! We’ll take cash or bantam bucks!
What other philanthropic events does Kappa participate in?
Kappa is involved with a ton of philanthropic events both on and off campus! One of my personal favorites is the annual Hartford spelling bee, which is one of Hartford’s most anticipated fundraising events. Kappa volunteers every year and it has become one of our favorite traditions. Halloween on Vernon is another exciting event, during which we interact with the local community, painting their faces and handing out candy to kids. Other activities have included baking pink challah bread for pink Shabbat, walking in the Breast Cancer walk, volunteering for Do it Day, and teaching squash as part of the Urban Squash Program.