Philanthropy

Since the early founding of Pi Beta Phi, its members have emphasized the importance of community involvement.  Today, the Illinois Alpha Chapter is no different.  We aim to prepare our members for a lifetime of service to community, and ensure that all members understand the importance of giving back.

Champions Are Readers (CAR)

The CAR Literacy Program was adapted by the Literacy Committee in 2003 using the creative concept originated by the Houston, Texas  Alumnae Club. The program is designed to serve as a national/international literacy program that all Pi Beta Phi alumnae clubs and collegiate chapters can conduct easily. Targeting children in the 3rd grade who are at a critical juncture in developing both good reading skills and a life-long love of reading, CAR supplements reading activities already being provided in the schools and provides an easy-to-administer program for teachers.

The Illinois Alpha Chapter has participated in the CAR program for the past two years at Harding Primary School in Monmouth, Illinois.  Our members volunteer on a weekly basis for a month to help give students the opportunity to read with an adult.

Arrowmont

Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts began in 1912 as Settlement School and brought education, economic development and health care to rural Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Pi Phi's were instrumental in promoting the academic and industrial enrichment of area children, and the Jennie Nicol Health Center was a model for other mountain health facilities until 1965.

In conjunction with the University of Tennessee, Settlement School began giving summer craft workshops that were highly successful. These workshops developed into a year-round program of arts education. Today Arrowmont is an internationally known visual arts complex, boasting a renowned faculty and international student body.

Arrow in the Artic

Pi Phi's Canadian philanthropy provides support for the many branches of the library systems in Whitehorse, Yukon, and Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.

At the 1967 Convention, the Canadian delegates voted unanimously to adopt the Northern Libraries Project to commemorate the dual centennial of Canada and of the Fraternity. The name "Arrow in the Arctic" was officially adopted in 1969.

While the Canadian government supplies an adequate budget for the purchase of basic books, there is little available for extras. Philanthropy funds are used to purchase "talking" books and videos in English and Inuit, the native language of the Northwest Territories. Reference books, tapes and other audiovisual equipment have also provided for educational programming. Items purchased by the Arrow in the Arctic funds are often circulated among branch and community libraries.

Our Local Philanthropies

Click here to see pictures of our philanthropies

Relay for Life

Each year Pi Phi forms two teams to participate in MC's Relay for Life.  Each team member has a goal to raise $100.  At the event, team members take turns walking around the track and participating in many events to keep us awake. 

Pen Pals

Members are paired up with elementary school students and exchange letters for a set amount of time.  At the end of the semester or month, members plan a party for their pen pals and meet them for the first time. 

Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Drive

Members volunteer to work at the annual blood drive, greeting donors, helping nurses, and providing donors with a comfortable place to relax and snacks to eat after donating.

Mr. Scot

The Mr. Scot Competition is modeled after a traditional beauty pageant.  Nominations are taken and four members are nominated from each class.  Men compete in various different activities and are judged by Monmouth faculty or staff. 

"Pi" Social

This event is held to raise money for the Pi Beta Phi Foundation and Friendship Fund.  Pies are donated and a fee is required for "all you can eat pie."  The "Pi" Social is held in Scotland Yard in the Lower Level of the Stockdale Center.

"Pi" A Pi Phi

Tickets are sold and student at MC can have their chance at "pieing" a Pi Phi.  The event is held each year on Monmouth College's Scot's Day in April. 

Pi Phi/Sig Ep Date Auction

Members of Pi Beta Phi and Sigma Phi Epsilon auctioned on a variety of dates to the students of MC.  Dates ranged from dinner and a movie, bowling, or a round of mini golf.  At the first event, we raised over $700.  Funds were donated to various local charities including the Warren County United Way and Midwest Bank's Angel Tree.