Purpose
The concept of serving others is inherent in the philosophies of the Order and has great value. The work we do for others is often priceless in its impact upon society and upon ourselves. In responding to this obligation, we work to cultivate communities and develop ourselves.
Philanthropy & Service Opportunities
Muscular Dystrophy Association – Since 1975, the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has been the Order’s national philanthropy. As a national organization, KA has raised more than $2.7 million for MDA. Muscle Walks, Shamrocks programs, and local creative fundraisers help the Order remain committed to supporting MDA.
MDA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, formed in 1950, which combats muscular dystrophy and diseases of the nervous system and muscular system in general by funding research, providing medical and community services, and educating health professionals and the general public.
Resources for Fundraising and Volunteering
Operation Crimson Gift – Operation Crimson Gift was an annual blood drive effort created by then Knight Commander David M. Warren to honor his mother and to have the Order assist with support after the terrorist events of September 11, 2001. Chapters are encouraged to host a blood drive through the American Red Cross of their local or state blood bank once a semester.
Each year, the Chapter that displays the most outstanding participation in Operation Crimson Gift is awarded The Knight Commander’s Cup. All chapters reaching 100% participation, no matter the size of the chapter, will be recognized and included in that year’s Crimson Gift Century Society.
Planning a Blood Drive in 4 Steps
Donate Life – At the 77th Convention in 2017, Former NFL quarterback and coach Sam Wyche (Iota–Furman ’66) spoke on his personal experiences in waiting for a heart transplant. Later that weekend, the Undergraduate Conference unanimously voted to support Donate Life as a philanthropic partner. Since then, chapters across the nation have sought to recruit & register all KAs, friends, family, classmates, and co-workers as organ, eye, and tissue donors.
Donate Life America is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization leading its national partners and Donate Life State Teams to increase the number of donated organs, eyes and tissue available to save and heal lives through transplantation while developing a culture where donation is embraced as a fundamental human responsibility.
Homes for Our Troops – On his second deployment to Iraq in 2006, Army Staff Sergeant Luke Murphy (Gamma Eta–Florida State ’09) lost his right leg above the knee and severely injured his left leg in an Explosively Formed Penetrator (EFP) blast. Luckily, by the lifesaving efforts of his team, Luke made it to a field hospital where he was stabilized with several units of blood and medevaced to Baghdad. After dozens of surgeries and countless months of extreme recovery and physical therapy, Luke attended Florida State University and was initiated into the Order by the Gamma Eta Chapter. He now travels the Country sharing his experiences as a veteran and a home recipient from Homes for Our Troops.
Homes For Our Troops is a privately funded 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post – 9/11 Veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives. Most of these Veterans have sustained injuries including multiple limb amputations, partial or full paralysis, and/or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). These homes restore some of the freedom and independence our Veterans sacrificed while defending our country, and enable them to focus on their family, recovery, and rebuilding their lives.
The Independence Fund – In 2016, the Zeta Phi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Order at High Point University began a student-led initiative aimed at raising money to provide Track Chairs for wounded veterans. For more details about how you can get involved, contact Michael Esposito.
Founded in 2007, The Independence Fund is committed to empowering our nation’s catastrophically wounded, injured, or ill Veterans to overcome physical, mental, and emotional wounds incurred in the line of duty. We are dedicated to improving the lives of both our Veterans and their families. Through our Mobility, Caregiver, Adaptive Sports, Advocacy, and Family programs, The Independence Fund strives to bridge the gap of unmet needs for Veterans and their caregivers.
Additional Resources
- Project Outreach Manual
- Take Fundraising to the Next Level with CrowdChange – CrowdChange is an online fundraising platform with tons of features to help chapters take their philanthropy events to the next level at no cost to them.
- Tracking Community Service Hours
- Contact Your ADCS – Your Associate Director for Chapter Services is your go-to person. They work for the National Administrative Office and are there to help you through issues and improve your chapter.