Many believe that Greek life was created solely upon the foundation of socializing and parties. However, Greek organizations were originally founded to “promote good fellowship.” Each Greek organization on campus has a national philanthropy that they raise money for and support throughout the years. Through dinners, sporting events and fundraisers, sororities and fraternities on campus are raising awareness for their philanthropies. 

Pi Beta Phi has been committed to education and literacy since the establishment of Pi Beta Phi Elementary School (a settlement school) in the Appalachian Mountains in 1910. Over 100 years of service! Pi Phi’s across the nation have dedicated their lives to making a difference, and that is exactly what we strive to do right here at UGA.

Every Fall, Pi Phi has a Mexican-themed dinner called “Pi Phiesta” on our front lawn. In 2013 we raised over $5,100 towards the Pi Beta Phi Foundation! Every dollar we raise goes straight towards literacy and in turn, provides programs such as Champions are Readers (CAR). CAR is a reading enrichment program for third-grade students. This year, Pi Phiesta will take place on October 8, so come enjoy some delicious Mexican food, a hip band and support literacy!     

Our dedication to serving our community has lead us to volunteering at Alps Road Elementary School. 

"At the school, Pi Phi's are present in the library, in the classroom and at after school programs supporting both our philanthropic purpose as well as our values. We present programs to the students that promote literacy and help foster a love of reading from a young age," stated Kari Saunders, Pi Beta Phi's Vice President of Member Development. 

As a college student, I sometimes forget how lucky I am be able to study at The University of Georgia. If you step outside our college campus bubble, you will find how underprivileged some of the children right in our own neighborhood are. Having the opportunity to interact with children in Athens and even make a difference in their education is more rewarding than blindly donating money.     

This year, I was lucky enough to go to Alps Road Elementary School during Dr. Seuss Day and read to the kids. The smiles on their faces as we walk in the door is enough to melt anyone’s heart. 

“I love that Pi Phi's national philanthropy is literacy because it is so important to continue to advocate for the importance of reading, especially since one in every four kids grow up illiterate.” Callie Blitz, Pi Beta Phi’s Vice President of Philanthropy, commented. “One of the coolest parts of our philanthropy is that we have such an amazing opportunity to volunteer at a local elementary school and physically see the difference our chapter is making in the community.” 

These children are impacting our lives more than they will ever know.   

Being apart of Pi Phi's philanthropy has given a greater meaning to my college career. Working with the community has given me a different and more enlightened sense of how important it is to give back to a place that has done so much for you. Philanthropy isn’t about just signing a check; it’s about growing as a person and giving back. As college students, serving others is a humbling experience that we can carry with us for the rest of our lives.