KKG Reading is Key Week

Kappa Kappa Gamma’s “Reading Is Key” Philanthropy week took place from March 8 through March 13, 2015. The events during the week benefitted Kappa’s national philanthropy organization, Reading Is Fundamental (RIF).

            To kick-off the week’s festivities, on March 8^th, Kappa hosted a basketball tournament for the U of A fraternity men at the HPER gym. Fraternities were invited to submit teams of 3 players and compete for the “King of the Kourt” trophy. The tournament lasted from 11am to 4pm and the gentlemen of the Phi Delta Theta team claimed the win, with the Pi Kappa

Alpha team as the runner-ups.

            On Tuesday March 9^th, Kappa continued to raise money through our inaugural “Blading For Books” event at Starlight Skatium. Kappas sold tickets to their friends for a night of roller blading fun at the popular new skating auditorium. The event lasted from 6pm to 8pm an

d was a huge success that resulted in an abundance of participants from all areas of the Greek community.

            The fundraising continued on Wednesday night with a Zaxby’s Percentage night to benefit Kappa Kappa Gamma. Members of Greek life and their friends were encouraged to eat at Zaxby’s from 4pm to 8pm and a percentage of their spending would go directly to Kappa. This night also proved to be a large success raising over $260 dollars for Reading is Fundamental.

            On Friday March 11^th, Kappa headed to Grace Hill Elementary in Rogers, Arkansas to participate in our 7^th annual “Reading is Key” capstone event. Members of Kappa dressed in children’s book character costumes and read classic children’s books such as “The Cat in the Hat,” “Where the Wild Things Are,” and “Rainbow Fish” to underprivileged children. After reading the books, Kappas participated in playtime themed around the books with the kids. They had a blast making monster masks to connect with “Where the Wild Things Are” and painted paper fish for “Rainbow Fish.” At the end of the day, Kappas distributed 3 new books to 91 children at the school, along with a CD of a Kappa reading the books aloud. I was a entertaining and gratifying and experience for everyone involved.

            Kappa Kappa Gamma’s second annual “Reading Is Key” philanthropy week went down as an absolute success; raising approximately $6000 dollars for the national Reading is

Fundamental philanthropy promoting children’s literacy. Kappa’s Philanthropy Chair, Nancy Smith said, “Reading is Key week is a defining moment for our philanthropy, not only because of the money raised, but because it allows Kappas to work hands on to benefit children in need.”

Written by Beth Anne Harrison, Kappa Kappa Gamma