Philanthropy

Once the Antiques Show ended, the Dallas Alumnae Chapter then partnered with a respected local institution, The Museum of Nature and Science, by assisting with the auction as part of its annual Dinner in the Wild event. While very proud of this association, the Dallas Alumnae chapter had a strong desire to re-connect with tradition and our national philanthropic focus of children’s cancer charities as well as reintroduce the timing of the original Tri Delta Sleighbell Day, which the 1974 National Convention created in honor of one of the longest-running and continually-supported alumnae philanthropy events. Due to Tri Delta’s focus on assisting sisters in every possible way, it was equally important to support the Tri Delta Foundation, as well as a cause in our own backyard. It was apparent there were many worthy causes in our community, many of whom do extraordinary work in the field of children’s cancer research and patient care. The Dallas Alumnae Chapter explored several options and determined the beneficiaries of its future fundraising efforts would be Scottish Rite for Children Prosthetics Department and Delta Delta Delta Foundation Crescent Fund.

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• Scottish Rite for Children
  Scottish Rite for Children is a world-renowned leader in the treatment of pediatric orthopedic conditions such as scoliosis, clubfoot, hand differences, hip disorders, sports injuries, and fractures, as well as certain related arthritic and neurological disorders and learning disorders, such as dyslexia. Patients receive treatment regardless of the family’s ability to pay. Scottish Rite treats a large population of amputee patients—some as a result of cancer-related amputations. Its comprehensive prosthetics program, including on-site custom fabrication for patients, provides a child with the opportunity to experience life to the fullest, enabling them to play and function optimally. In 2021, Scottish Rite celebrated 100 years of giving children back their childhood.

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• Delta Delta Delta Foundation Crescent Fund
  The Tri Delta Foundation is dedicated to fulfilling the Fraternity’s purpose of assisting its members in every possible way and providing funding for numerous beneficial programs for collegians and alumnae.

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As members of the Alumnae Chapter discussed developing a new philanthropic focus in Dallas, it was important for the group to embark on a project that was inclusive—one that brought together alumnae of all ages, legacies, and community members. Cookies & Castles is truly a multi-generational event. Young alumnae serve both as committee and day-of volunteers. Alumnae with young families flock to this fun holiday activity; alumnae with junior high or high school-age legacies are thrilled with the opportunity to engage their daughters in volunteering for a Tri Delta project. Older alumnae utilize the event as a holiday treat for grandchildren, and many empty-nester Tri Delta sisters come together to celebrate the holidays. With the addition of monthly shopping events with local retail partners in 2012, and the Ladies Luncheon in 2013, Tri Deltas of all ages can now participate in gingerbread decorating and celebrating the season with their sisters and friends.
 

What began in 2008 as a 4-month planning adventure has now launched into a yearlong planning effort with a full board and committee structure. Committee recruitment alone served as a vehicle for engaging Tri Deltas of different ages who represented many different collegiate chapter experiences. In 2020, the committee had 40 members from 20 different Tri Delta chapters. We regularly have more than 1,000 guests in attendance at our events and have raised over $700,000 since 2008.

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