Do Good.
Below you will find a letter from our Vice President of Foundation!
Hi everyone! My name is Madison Ferdig, and I am Delta Gamma’s Vice President of Foundation. I am so grateful to serve with Delta Gamma, and I am truly honored to be a part of such a wonderful sisterhood.
Since 1936, Delta Gamma’s national philanthropy has been helping the visually impaired. Originally, it was known as Sight Conservation and Aiding the Blind but is now known as Service for Sight. In the early 1930’s, Ruth Billow was a member of the Eta Chapter at the University of Akron. Ruth was visually impaired and knew that Delta Gamma could help make a real change within her community and beyond. As a chapter, we are honored to support this incredible foundation that impacts 1.3 million people each year.
During 2020-2021, Delta Gamma raised nearly $6.3 million for the foundation. Nationally, 67,052 service hours were logged from collegians and alumnae. Delta Gamma was also awarded $652,874 in Service for Sight grants to continue to share our mission across the country.
Delta Gamma also supported 392 merit-based scholarships totaling $610,969. This included 13 crisis grants to members in financial need. $913,986 was granted in individual member support through scholarships, grants, and more. Delta Gamma is proud to support in as many ways as possible.
Individually, Delta Gamma-Kappa Chapter served over 1,500 hours to those with visual impairments and those at risk for visual impairments. By implementing our “Do Good” motto, our women volunteered at Southlake Village Rehabilitation, Sumner Place Retirement Home, The Nebraska City School for the Blind, The Commission for the Blind, Domesti-Pups, and more. At each of these locations, the women were able to work first-hand with the visually impaired.
Additionally, Delta Gamma-Kappa Chapter proudly hosts two philanthropies a year to benefit Service for Sight. This year, we decided to change it up and make our spring philanthropy “There’s No Place Like Nebraska”. We sell tickets to this event and invite individuals into our Delta Gamma house to have a piece of Valentino’s pizza or a Runza, Vic’s Popcorn, and Gatorade. Our goal is to celebrate our love for Nebraska and bring Husker game day to Delta Gamma. We also sell t-shirts, have a raffle for a signed football, and accept donations. We love the energy that goes on during the event and include sight facts on the tables to educate others about the visually impaired. Next fall, we will hold Anchor Games. We invite fraternities and campus RSO’s to participate in many fun activities. It is a favorite memory for many, and it includes a lot of unique activities for all! We sell tickets to this event as well as selling t-shirts and accepting donations.
As Delta Gamma women, we are proud to spread awareness to such a lovely organization and family-like community. It impacts every single one of us in different ways and allows us to take a step back in our lives to see how blessed every single one of us are. We are intentional towards Delta Gamma’s foundation and our chapter’s own commitment to our philanthropy.
Madison Ferdig
Vice President of Foundation
Delta Gamma-Kappa Chapter
University of Nebraska-Lincoln