The Fraternity partners with six organizations addressing mental health topics and needs with compassion, authenticity, and respect. Kappas coast to coast support our partners with creative events that foster connection and a community dedicated to promoting mental health and well-being.
mental health america (mha)
Epsilon Alpha Chapter, TCU, is slamming the stigma. Literally. All proceeds from its annual pickleball tournament go toward MHA, a nonprofit promoting mental health as a crucial aspect of one’s overall wellness. Philanthropy Director Micah Tuthill says, “It’s very fulfilling getting to support something that actually affects people.” Everyone in the chapter has personally experienced mental health struggles or knows someone who has, and it allows them to truly connect with the cause.” Kappas and the community showed up to support Epsilon Alpha. With 126 teams signed up for the tournament, the chapter raised $4,430.
active minds
Eta Kappa Chapter, Knox, members and university students gather for grub and mental health awareness at the annual Mac N Keys event. This year, the chapter raised over $1,000 for Active Minds, a nonprofit empowering the next generation to end the silence and change the culture around mental health. “Beyond the money raised, the event’s success in starting conversations about mental health and the positive feedback we received reminds me why this cause means so much to our chapter,” says Vice President External Affairs Aubrey Lynch.
jack.org
“Everyone has their own story and struggles, and our philanthropy serves as a reminder that no one is alone,” says Philanthropy Director Narod Taslakdjian. “At Kappa, we support each other, we lift each other up, and we’re always there as a shoulder to lean on.” The Beta Psi Chapter, Toronto, put its heart into its philanthropic event — a Valentine’s Day-themed game night. Attendees embraced friendly competition and raised around $1,700 CAD for Jack.org, Canada’s only charity that trains and empowers young leaders to revolutionize mental health in every province and territory. “We had a great turnout from almost every sorority and fraternity,” says Narod. “It felt like a real community moment, with everyone having fun, connecting, and supporting the cause.”
national eating disorder association (neda)
Eating disorders affect 8.9% of women in their lifetime.* With social media and societal pressures, college-aged women are especially vulnerable. Gamma Nu Chapter, Arkansas, supports NEDA with events hosted throughout the year: Matches for Mental Health, a pickleball tournament; Kappa Krawfish, a boil with live music; Kappachino, a coffee and breakfast bar; Wellness Week; and NEDA Week. “We have a fun opportunity to find ways to support our philanthropy and our members,” shares Philanthropy Director Kylie Mollner. By attending these events, the community is helping to support NEDA and raise mental health awareness. At the same time, it allows Gamma Nu members to take a step back and focus on themselves, says Kylie.
*Source: Deloitte Access Economics. The Social and Economic Cost of Eating Disorders in the United States of America: A Report for the Strategic Training Initiative for the Prevention of Eating Disorders and the Academy for Eating Disorders. June 2020. Available at: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/striped/report-economic-costs-of-eating-disorders/.
national alliance on mental illness (nami)
Every year during Parents Weekend, Delta Upsilon Chapter, Georgia, hosts its Kappa Kountry Boil in support of NAMI, our partner working to build better lives for those affected by mental health challenges. This fun and community-driven event gave parents and the community the chance to experience the philanthropic side of Kappa and raised about $11,000. “Having such an emphasis on mental health and well-being has always meant a lot to me,” shares Claiborne Collier, Philanthropy Director. Kappa is a safe space for members to land, and partnering with NAMI further supports the community in getting mental health resources and education.
the jed foundation
For its annual philanthropic event, Epsilon Upsilon Chapter, Baylor, hosts a Kappa Klassic golf tournament during Dad’s Weekend. Kappa dads and their “kaddies” hit the course and raised more than $19,000 in support of The Jed Foundation, our partner dedicated to protecting emotional health and preventing suicide. Vice President External Affairs Olivia Scotchie appreciates the importance of emphasizing mental health as a chapter. “To me, it means loving each other well and being a friend to someone when they really need it.” We all know someone going through hard times, and this sisterhood has the power to bring people together.
