Supporting our Sisterhood
During March, Pi Phi celebrates members of the Evelyn Peters Kyle Society — donors who make gifts of $1,000 or more to Pi Beta Phi Foundation annually. We recently asked some of our Evelyn Peters Kyle Society donors to share more about their Pi Phi giving story.
Betsy Campbell Stone, Washington Gamma
Why is giving back important to you?
Most of my giving responds to urgent needs in my community and beyond, but I also support organizations—like Pi Phi—that are shaping leaders for the future. Pi Phi teaches women how to make decisions and work together. The Fraternity also recognizes that relationships are the basis of so much. Learning to be a good friend and sister is great preparation for life!
Why do you support Pi Phi by giving to our Foundation?
I give out of gratitude for the women who have shaped me, including my sisters at Washington Gamma, of course, but also our dedicated Alumnae Advisory Committee (AAC). The experience of traveling for Pi Phi as a Leadership Development Consultant (LDC) allowed me to meet amazing women all over the country. I couldn't wish for better role models.
Why should other sisters consider investing in Pi Phi?
Your days as a collegian may be behind you, but the gifts from your experience are not. For me, my chapter was one of the first places where I saw women come together to support one another. I have tried to pay that forward, but I also want to pay it back and I encourage others to do the same.
Sharon Jett, Texas Delta
What areas of support are you most passionate about?
My parents always said that an education was the best gift they could give my sister and me. It is more important than ever for young women to attend college, and I want every young woman to have the opportunity to receive a college education. Pi Beta Phi Foundation provides a vehicle for giving funds, and you know the funds are going to a sister in need.
What impact do you hope your gift will make for Pi Phi?
During the pandemic, so many young women lost their jobs and with them the money needed to make it through a semester. I hope my gift can make an impact in someone's life. Just think, a gift at the Evelyn Peters Kyle Society level can provide a portion of tuition, room or board, or something else to deserving collegians!
Why should other sisters consider investing in Pi Phi?
Not everyone is in a position to make a gift to our Foundation, but any amount helps. Imagine how much money could be raised if every initiated member gave $25.00 each year. With over 200,000 living initiated members, that's $5,000,000 per year! Giving is a habit and the amount doesn't matter, it just matters that you give and give regularly. Donations can be increased as one is able — I know I started out at $25 and am now able to give at the Evelyn Peters Kyle Society level.
Gifts to the Friendship Fund prepare members to lead, give access to education, promote a lifelong love of reading, support sisters in need, advance collegiate housing and so much more. Learn more about the Evelyn Peters Kyle Society.
Published March 22, 2021