Fashion Forward
Beta Eta Chapter, Miami University in Ohio
After Beta Eta recolonized in 2003 at Miami University, it started fresh with its Children’s Miracle Network fundraising efforts.
“As a newer chapter on a very strong Greek-oriented campus, it was kind of difficult to think of a new philanthropy to do,” said Lisa Suberlak, a senior and the chapter’s Philanthropy Chairman.
With 28 fraternities and 16 sororities at Miami University, every sporting event imaginable was taken, she said. After struggling to find a successful event, a sister suggested a distributor called Charity Denim, which works with sorority chapters nationwide.
An idea was born. It works like this: The chapter sells high-end designer jeans such as 7 For All Mankind, Paper Denim and Joe’s Jeans at a deep discount, typically for $55-$85. For each pair purchased, Charity Denim gives $10 to Phi Mu for Children’s Miracle Network.
The chapter has been doing the fundraiser for three years, raising more each year and reaching $3,000 last year. For early 2008, the goal is to raise $3,500-$4,000. With plans to hold the sale twice a year, that could mean $8,000 or more generated annually for Children’s Miracle Network.
“This is a great fundraising event for smaller chapters or chapters that haven’t established a strong program to raise money. It’s so easy to hold,” Lisa said. The chapter’s main responsibilities are to find a spot for the sale and advertise it, via fliers and banners, around campus. Lisa also visits the other sororities on campus to alert them of the sale. She points out that the event isn’t isolated to the Greek community, but open to all students.
Charity Denim then brings the jeans to campus. The all-day sale is held at the beginning of the semester in the lobby of the school’s sorority dorms (free of charge to Beta Eta), which gives residents and their friends immediate access to the event. Some stock up; others buy one pair. They’ve also recently added earrings to the sale.
Beta Eta found success by determining what appeals to the student body and turning it into a fundraiser. “Our campus is in a small town where there aren’t very many shopping opportunities,” said Lisa. “We found a way to bring a sought-after product to students while benefitting Children’s Miracle Network.”
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