Alpha Chi Omega sorority at The University of Southern Mississippi recently hosted two fundraising events—Colors of Courage and Cornhole for a Cause—to benefit the Domestic Abuse Family Shelter in Hattiesburg.
The events featured a live performance by the band The Fogies, along with food, games and activities designed to raise awareness and funds for domestic violence prevention.
Proceeds from donations, food sales and entry fees were donated directly to the shelter.
Sadie Venable, Alpha Chi Omega’s vice president of philanthropy, organized the events. In her role, Venable coordinates the sorority’s philanthropy efforts, leads service trips to the shelter, manages members’ community service hours and keeps the chapter informed on related initiatives.
“The reason that I changed this event was to get more awareness to the community,” Venable said. “We usually have a more formal philanthropy event in the spring, so I wanted to do something that got more people in, in a place where people could have a good time, learn about our amazing philanthropy and be able to raise money for DAFS.”
Colors of Courage, the first event, featured teams competing to keep their banners clean while using “color bombs” to mark other teams’ banners. Kappa Sigma fraternity and Pi Beta Phi sorority were named the winners of the competition.
Cornhole for a Cause followed, with teams from the university and the surrounding community participating in a cornhole tournament. The goal of the event was to raise awareness and funds in support of Alpha Chi Omega’s national philanthropy: domestic violence awareness.
“Our goal is to spread awareness for domestic violence and teach people how to avoid and get out of situations that could lead to such,” Venable said. “We also have two mottos that we promote: Real Strong Women and healthy relationships.”
Venable said the event brought people together in a supportive atmosphere.
“My favorite part of the event was Colors of Courage,” Venable said. “During the competition, everyone gathered around to cheer on the teams, and everyone was laughing and supporting.”
According to Venable, the sorority hopes to continue offering similar events that combine education, entertainment and fundraising.
“Being able to see everyone together while supporting a good cause brings genuine joy in me,” she said.
