Sigma Delta Tau

Alpha Epsilon-Purdue University hosted a kickball tournament in April to raise funds for PCAA.

As sisters of Sigma Delta Tau, we all hold our three philanthropies near to our hearts. This month, chapters across the country are participating in philanthropy projects to raise awareness and money for Prevent Child Abuse America (PCAA). We were proud to see Purdue recently host their annual kickball tournament, Tulane held a Pinwheels and Popsicles fundraiser, Florida State University covered their lawn in pinwheels, and several other chapters are doing great things. During PCAA month, we are encouraged to raise as much money and awareness as possible, but also to remember why this philanthropy means so much to SDT.

Sigma Delta Tau partnered with Prevent Child Abuse America in 1982, in the hopes of empowering families and preventing neglect. So far, our organization has helped raise over $1.7 million for the cause, and our chapters host fundraisers and events all year long to raise awareness.

Collegiate Leadership Team member and past Vice President of Philanthropy for the Gamma Xi Chapter, Lisa Radwanski said, “We’re looking forward to our annual Tricky Tray, which brings in the most funds we can raise for PCAA. It’s a great event for the community and our family and friends to see how dedicated we are to our philanthropy.”

SDT sisters gathered in Times Square for the PCAA Big Pinwheel Garden on April 7, 2015.

This year, several SDT collegians and alumnae joined together in Times Square for the Big Pinwheel Garden to plant and pass out pinwheels with members of Prevent Child Abuse America. Sister Danielle Iannetta attended the Big Pinwheel Garden this year and was reminded of the importance of PCAA. Iannetta said, “Jim Hmurovich, President and CEO of PCAA, is such an inspiration. He really helped us see the big picture of PCAA and know that we as a national organization have made a huge impact on the world, which is truly rewarding!”

While every SDT sister knows the value and importance of this cause, some members hold this philanthropy a bit more closely to their hearts. “PCAA is important to me because my mother was a victim of child abuse and neglect; my little brothers were adopted through the foster care system as victims of child neglect as well,” said Gamma Xi chapter sister Gianna Mazzone. “This cause is who I am and what I plan to dedicate the rest of my life raising awareness for, in dedication to who I love the most—my family!”

No matter what family background you come from or your personal relationship to PCAA, it is a great cause that all sisters are able to put their whole heart into. Encourage your chapter today to remind each other why PCAA is so important to all of us, and to do everything you can to keep helping this great philanthropy.

Kelly Potts, Gamma Xi- Montclair State University, is a senior studying English and Journalism. Aside from SDT, she loves blogging, reading, and exercising, and hopes to pursue a career in fashion journalism.