Our Philanthropies

Gerentology: In 1954, Sigma Kappa recognized the need for continued, comprehensive work on the study of aging and the needs of elderly populations and adopted gerontology as one of our national philanthropies. Our chapter has formed a relationship with Hearthstone Retirement Living in Greenlake and we have many events with them each year including our annual Oktoberfest celebration where we dress in Halloween costumes and carve pumpkins with the residents, and our annual Valentine's Day Tea we host at the chapter house.
Alzheimer's Disease: Sigma Kappa adopted Alzheimer's research and education as one of our national philanthropies in 1984. Sigma Kappas from all around the country work hard to raise money to fund research about Alzheimer's, and since we adopted this philanthropy, over $1 million has been raised. Most of the money we raise during our annual Ultra-Violet Campaign and King of the Castle competition goes to Alzheimer's research. As a chapter, we also participate in Walk to End Alzheimer's event in Seattle with our lovely alumnae.
Inherit the Earth: Sigma Kappa recognizes that keeping our communities and environment clean are essential missions that benefit all people and future generations. We primarily support this philanthropy by having regular street cleans on Greenlake, a street we have officially adopted. We also volunteer at the Arboretum Foundation and have an active recycling program in our home.
Maine Sea Coast Mission: In 1918, Sigma Kappa decided to support the Maine Sea Coast Mission as one of the sorority's philanthropies in homage to Sigma Kappa's founding of its Alpha chapter there, in 1874. This charity delivers critical services to people in need that live on the islands of Downeast Maine, as well as mainland Hancock and Washington counties. Types of assistance given includes aid to those in sickness and poverty, financial aid, food banks, recycled clothing shops, crisis intervention, and youth programs. Our chapter participates in this philanthropy by putting together care packages with toiletries and other items, as well as donating money.

Ultra-Violet Campaign
Every winter quarter, fraternity men compete to win the title of "King of the Castle" as part of our Ultra-Violet Campaign fundraiser. In February of 2011, 18 fraternities joined the sisters of Sigma Kappa in raising over $4,500 to support Alzheimer's research and the other philanthropies the Sigma Kappa Foundation supports. "King of the Castle" events took place over one week and included a variety of competitions, fundraising efforts, a professional hypnotist show, and a formal dance.

Community Service
Community service is at the heart of the mission of our chapter. At the UW Greek Awards this past year we were awarded the Excellence in Community Service Award. As a chapter, we participate in many service and philanthropic activities together. These activities include regular street cleans at Greenlake, activities with the residents of Hearthstone Retirement Living, and participation in events such as the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life and the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's.

In addition to the events Sigma Kappas participate in together, many individuals take part in regular service activities. Each week our members complete over 150 hours of volunteer work out in the Seattle community! These hours are dedicated to several programs including, but not limited to, Jumpstart, Pipeline Project, Boys and Girls Club, and UW Medical Center.