Foundation
Since 1936 blind member, Ruth Billow (Eta Akron) petitioned to adopt “Aid to the Blind” as our official philanthropy. It was changed to "Sight Conservation & Aiding the Blind" in 1942. In 1951, the Delta Gamma Foundation was formed as a complement to the Fraternity. In 1995, it was changed to "Service for Sight." For decades, our Chapter has volunteered thousands of hours doing vision screening in School District 11. Technology evolved and Covid wouldn’t allow it, so we may no longer volunteer those hours. However, we’ve asked the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind (CSBD) for their wish list, and the following options are now in the works!
The Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind:
The Playground Project fits the DG Foundation requirements. Last year, $776,714 was awarded to Service for Sight Grants. The awards averaged $8,000.
School for the Blind principal, Jamie Lugo, was embarrassed to admit that the School for the Blind does not have an accessible playground. Two teachers and inspired senior students, embarked on this lofty project 3 years ago. The cost of this project is $500,000. The teachers are using the project as a learning project: how to research and apply for grants. Granted projects generally need to be completed in one year, and they have currently raised approx. $16,000. Two of the students presented a lovely pitch to the Colorado Springs Couples Who Care platform and they won (approx. $6,000)! To help, spread the word as much as you like, using any media you like! The project is targeted to be completed in 2023.
CSDB also has a store called Bulldog Bark (Bulldogs are their mascot). They sell food items through donations and all proceeds go to the Playground Project. If interested in donating, checks may be mailed to Ruth Hjelmstad, 30 Broadmoor Hills Drive, COS, 80906. Please write “Playground Project” in the check memo line.
The DG Foundation applications window opens again in October. Wish the Playground Project luck!
Lastly, CSDB has been wanting a Scent Garden. Our multi-talented alumnae chapter has skilled gardeners who would like to help plant and maintain a “Pizza” garden. Let us know if you’re interesting in donating time to plant herbs that the students and staff would enjoy.
The Tactile Gallery at the Fine Arts Center of Colorado College:
The Tactile Gallery at the FAC, the began in 1981 (with financial support from the Delta Gammas), continues to be closed due to Covid. Currently, our Chapter is the only Patron Experience Guides (PEGs – formerly called Docents) for this exhibit. We’ll be calling for volunteers. Thanks so much to those of you have been so loyally volunteering!
Please Note: The position of vp:Foundation is currently open. For any sister interested in fulfilling this VP position, please contact Chris Warfield, 719-440-0185 or cwarf52@yahoo.com.
The USABA is one of the organizations we support. They have an annual fundraising breakfast that continues to provide inspiration with vision-impaired athlete speakers.
