Philanthropy

 

The Zeta Iota Chapter supports the international philanthropy Campfire USA. We support this cause by raising money and working for Camp Kearney in Peoria, IL. This semester, we also visited Camp Tannadoonah in Vandalia, MI for a weekend and helped close out the camp for the summer by painting cabins and cleaning up the grounds.

There are many activities that we participate in to raise support for our philanthropy. Our biggest philanthropy event is our annual Mr. Valpo Contest. Mr. Valpo is an annual male beauty pageant that Gamma Phi Beta puts together and runs for the entire campus. Many organizations have a male represent them in this competition. The men are required to compete in many categories such as sash, formal wear, surprise category, talent, and then interview questions for the title of Mr. Valpo.

Gamma Phi Beta is also able to raise support for Camp Kearney by participating in other organizations philanthropy events. Any money raised by competing in these events is sent on to the camp.

Camp Kearney a non-profit Christian camp is located in Peoria, Illinois. Almost ninety percent of the campers come from a background of poverty, and abuse, where drugs, neglect, and gang violence are everyday occurrences. Camp Kearney provides campers with a positive outlook on life. At Camp Kearney, campers experience different activities such as camping, arts and crafts, sports, and swimming. This experience is possible through the support of generous community sponsors and donors.

 

The Ladies of Gamma Phi Beta also use their time to volunteer throughout each semester. Gamma Phi's had over 1,000 hours of community service in the spring of 2006. These hours were spent in many different ways. The girls went on missions trips, fixed up neighborhood homes through Rebuilding Together, participated in Mr. Valpo, made new curtians for Camp Kearney's cabins, tutored kids, raked yards, and much more.