By: Megan HATFIELD, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP INITIATIVES, ZETA SIGMA (MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY)
October marks an important month for Alpha Chi Omega – Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Since our adoption of this altruism at the 1992 National Convention, our members have been dedicated to raising awareness about domestic violence and supporting local service providers in their communities. For many, while their interest or passion for our philanthropic initiatives might begin in college, it certainly does not end there.
We spoke with Jennifer Slane Duld, Omicron (Baker University), who is in her third year as Mu Mu’s VP Philanthropy and co-chair of the Silence the Violence event to learn more about her experiences in support DVA efforts and the Silence the Violence event.
How has your connection to the cause of domestic violence awareness grown or changed through your membership in Alpha Chi Omega?
Alpha Chi Omega’s launch of the Domestic Violence programs fell directly in line with my time as a collegiate. While in college our chapter held programs that helped to understand the cycles of domestic violence and identify behaviors of both the victim and the abuser. In addition, we held numerous fundraisers for a shelter in a nearby town. Since graduation, I have attended the various events held by our local alumni chapter that primarily supports the Rose Brooks Center in Kansas City, Missouri. I am entering my third year as the VP of Philanthropy for Mu Mu Chapter and as co-chair of our annual Silence the Violence event which includes an auction (live and silent), raffle and pledge opportunity for our supporters.
This year, Mu Mu Alumnae Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega is hosting their 18th annual Silence the Violence event in support of the Rose Brooks Center, an emergency domestic violence shelter serving residents of the greater Kansas City area. For 40 years, Rose Brooks has been a pillar of safety in the Kansas City community, serving thousands of individuals through groundbreaking programs and services, advocacy, education and empowerment in the community. Their initiatives are centered on three pillars—keeping families safe, creating a safer community and ending the cycle of violence. In the 18 years that the Mu Mu chapter of Alpha Chi Omega has partnered with Rose Brooks Center, they have raised over $140,000 for both the center and the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation.
Jennifer had this to share about this year’s event and the other philanthropic initiatives the chapter does throughout the year.
Monies raised from this event primarily come from our Call-to-Action segment of the evening, raising over $8K in 2022. Live and silent auction items, generously donated by local companies and chapter members, make up our second largest category of monies raised. With over $20K raised in both 2021 and 2022, we are targeting another record year this October with a goal of $30K.
Two new additions to this year’s fundraiser are online/mobile bidding software to ease bidding and patron check out as well as the committee seeking broader sponsorship opportunities by offering sponsor options at that Pearl, Carnation, Olive, Gold and Scarlet levels.
Additional fundraisers are held throughout the year, typically one in the spring and summer (Silence the Violence in the fall), which include restaurant nights and music bingo at a local brewery (owned and operated by an AXO). Proceeds from these smaller events are given to our partnership with a local hospital to provide underwear and basic garments to victims who seek treatment.
Chapter volunteer opportunities include providing volunteers and resources to the Rose Brooks Center to assist with Halloween or Valentine’s Day parties for shelter residents, workers for the Christmas Store to either prep, sort, help residents shop, and wrap gifts. Annually, we will run a Founders’ Day collection drive to gather needed donations for the shelter.