Laker Life

Courtesy Photo / Fernanda Guimaraes
Sigma Kappa sisters hard at work.

Sigma Kappa sisters flip flapjacks to raise money for Alzheimer's research

By Maya Soter GVL Staff Writer
2/7/2010

Many would not associate sororities, pancakes and syrup with aging and Alzheimer's, but Grand Valley State University's sorority Sigma Kappa made the connection again on Saturday with their annual Pancake Breakfast fundraiser.

The breakfast raised money for the sorority's national philanthropy for Alzheimer's research. The proceeds from the event went toward the Sigma Kappa foundation and were divided up between their national philanthropy and the Maine Seacoast Mission.

"We've been doing this breakfast for a few years now, and all of the proceeds benefit our philanthropies," said philanthropy chairman Leighann McAlary.

According to the Sigma Kappa national Web site, in 1954 Sigma Kappa became the first national sorority to recognize the need for continued, comprehensive work on the study of aging and the needs of elderly populations. The sorority concentrates on gerontology, which is the study of the social, psychological and biological aspects of aging.

"The pancake breakfast is an easy way to get people to come to the Sigma Kappa house and socialize and eat food, while raising money for research on Alzheimer's," McAlary said.

The breakfast is one of the main events Sigma Kappa hosts throughout the school year to raise money for their main philanthropies.

"It's nice to have a breakfast to raise money for our philanthropy because most sororities at Grand Valley usually do dinners," said foundations chairman Erica Raatz.

Raatz added holding the breakfast at the Sigma Kappa house makes it more accessible for people to attend.

In the past, the turnout for the event has been estimated to be anywhere from 300 to 500 people.

"Last year we raised around $800," said Petrina Provenzano, a Sigma Kappa sister. "This year, it's likely we will raise more than that because the turnout was greater."

Each year, Sigma Kappa solely runs the event. The sisters participate in everything from cooking and serving the pancakes to selling the tickets and advertising by promoting the event in the Kirkhof Center and around campus.

Sigma Kappa also participates in a walk for Alzheimer's research in the fall.

The sorority has teamed up with the nursing home Lincoln Square and volunteered spending time with the elderly living in the home.

"A great way to get involved is to attend the pancake breakfast," said Fernanda Guimaraes, public relations chair. "If this isn't possible, there are many opportunities within the Grand Rapids community and on Grand Valley's campus such as the (Senior) Citizens Club."

McAlary noted the importance of the breakfast and any effort of the GVSU community to help the aging.

"Even a little bit of time volunteering helps," McAlary said. "Even if you're not in a sorority, you're helping the community and world overall."

msoter@lanthorn.com

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