ESA doing something cool

ESA Presents Gift to Methodist Health System Foundation

2010-12-09T08:58:00.002-07:00

The ESA Theta Pi Chapter of Texas recently presented a $14,000 gift to Methodist Health System Foundation. The gift will help the Women’s Imaging Center at Methodist Charlton Medical Center ($12,000) and the PSAP-Prostate Screening and Awareness Program ($2,000). The grants enable Methodist to provide routine mammograms to women would would be unable to pay to to financial limitations. The PSAP program at Methodist has tested more men for prostate cancer than any of hospital-based program. Epsilon Sigma Alpha has always tried to help the cancer services at Methodist. In turn Methodist is a sponsor for the ESA Cancer Awareness Race.

ESA Hope for Heroes

2010-12-09T08:43:00.005-07:00

ESA members participated in the Tulsa Veterans Day Parade to show their support for Hope for Heroes: An ESA National Event. Members of the Tulsa Area Council walked next to this car decorated by members of ESA. The car was also featured at the St. Jude Give Thanks Walk in Tulsa. The members of ESA that participated said they had numerous opportunities to spread the good works of ESA.

The ESA members in Kansas also received a letter of appreciation from a Staff Sergeant in the US military. It reads:

I received several care packages over the past two weeks and enclosed was an informational flyer with this email, so I wanted to take a few minutes to respond & say thank you.

Karen Knorp-Brown from Wichita, Kansas was the addressee and I would like to write to you to acknowledge her hard work and service as well as personally thank her through your organization. The flyer also mentioned Kim Kummer as the Kansas State President, so thank you to her as well.

I read a little bit about your organization on your website & I also want to thank all of you for all of the hard work and service you provide for all of the causes and people you support.

Thank you!!!!

ESA Member Excels at Stillman

2010-10-29T09:53:00.004-06:00

Kellena H. Leech also known by her friends as Tiah considers herself to be a jack of all trades and she has really displayed that while attending Stillman. Leech started at Stillmanin 2003 and ever since it has been a roller coaster ride full of on and off campus activities. While at Stillman, Leech played basketball, ran track, played in the band, sang in the choir, served as president and modeled for Sophistication Unlimited Modeling Troupe, served as vice president of the UNCF-Pre Alumni Council, became a member of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority and Epsilon Sigma Alpha International, and was in the Campus Queens Association, serving as Miss King Hall and Miss Beta Phi Beta. She also served as a Student Ambassador to the Office of Admissions and was a volunteer with Student Government Association. She was a student orientation leader for 2 years and a contributor to the yearbook staff and student publications. She currently works with the Office of Marketing & Public Relations as a student journalist and photographer. In 2006 after accomplishing so much at Stillman Leech decided to go into active duty with the army. Leech covered more than 50 press conferences while in Iraq and took many photographs. Leech is now a graduating senior and will be presenting her senior project soon. Her project is a journalism exhibit call "VII Measures" and will feature work done by Leech over the past 7 years. After experiencing everything that she has she knows that it has made her who she is today. "I learned how to be well-rounded and cherish my family after years with the band, choir, modeling troupe, and the non-Greek community," said Leech.

Fifteen Students Earn President's Volunteer Service Award

2010-10-12T08:53:00.004-06:00

Fifteen students at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, TX were awarded the President's Volunteer Service Award. Most of the students honored are members of the Delta Chi Chapter of ESA. The President's Volunteer Service Award is a White House initiative that was created to encourage Americans to improve their communities through service. To earn this award, students must complete at least 100 hours of community service during the 2009-2010 academic year.

Angelica Rodriguez, pictured here, is a member of Delta Chi and has earned a bronze medal (awarded for 100-174 hours of service) for the second year. To read more about these OLLU students and the President's Volunteer Service Award, click here.

Chapter Donates Gift Bags to Victims of Domestic Abuse

2010-09-22T09:41:00.004-06:00

The Tau Tau Chapter of Summerville, NC recently donated 30 gift bags filled with soaps, lotions, snacks and other items to the Summerville Police Department's Victim Advocates Office to be given out to victims of domestic abuse.

"The whole idea is to remind them that as bad as things might seem right then, someone cares," said Susan Broyles, Tau Tau member. "These bags may not change the situation they are in, but it may make it a little better."

The chapter got the idea after contacting the Summerville Police Department and asking if there were any projects they could help with. They were soon contacted by the Victim Advocates Office. They were told that the office had many stuffed animals and toys for children victims, but they had nothing for the mothers.

"Epsilon Sigma Alpha International Tau Tau Chapter is a local chapter looking for ways to improve/help our community," said SPD Captain Jon Rogers. "They are always looking for projects they can do to help others and we really appreciate them for doing this."

To read the full article, click here.

Looking for ways to get more involved in your community? Think about contacting your local police station and ask about how you can help!

Tabs for St. Jude...it's a team effort

2010-08-19T11:20:00.004-06:00

In the past, the Beta Pi Chapter of Huntsville, AL collected soda can tabs for the Ronald McDonald House. At the 2009 St. Jude Mall Walk at Madison Square Mall in Huntsville, Beta Pi members saw members of the Good Shepherd Catholic Church carrying signs to support Maddie, a St. Jude Children's Research Hospital patient and church member. After speaking with members of the church, Beta Pi unanimously decided to direct their support to St. Jude and little Maddie.

Judith Londene, Alabama ESA St. Jude Senior Coordinator's husband Fred, through a business contact, was able to gather 276,575 tabs, filling the trunk of his car. Beta Pi members collected 30,000 tabs. On April 6, 2010, a record 306,575 tabs were delivered to the Good Shepherd Church to be recycled and exchanged for money for St. Jude.

Well done, Beta Pi. It is through your dedication and kindness (and lots of soda) that you make a difference in the lives of the kids of St. Jude.

With ESA help St. Jude Dream Home is a Success

2010-08-06T09:50:00.004-06:00

After having his name drawn from nearly 9,000 entries, Dan Adams is thankful every time he drives down his street to his home. Dan Adams was the winner of the St. Jude Dream Home giveaway in 1996. The St. Jude Dream Home giveaway is coming up on it's 20th year of operation. The fundraiser started in Shreveport and grew from the idea of Dr. Donald Mack after someone in 1991 offered to donate a prefabricated home. The event has turned into one of St. Jude's biggest events and has raised more than $155 million since its start in 1991. Mack assembled the help of Epsilon Sigma Alpha to handle all the tickets sales for the giveaway. "The first year was a hard year," said Martha McGee, one of the original ticket sellers. "It was a learning year. We were doing everything by hand. We had a loose-leaf notebook, and we numbered everything by hand." Once the popularity of the event grew the members of ESA began to play a much larger role in the giveaway. "We staff the dream house during open houses, we work at the telethon when it's in conjunction with the dream house," McGee said. "We answer the 10 millions questions people have to ask. We still handle all ticket sales."

St. Jude Dream Home Marks 20th Year

2010-08-03T11:32:00.002-06:00

In 1991 Dr. Donald Mack of Shreveport, LA was offered a prefabricated house to use as a fundraiser for St. Jude. Now, 20 years later, the St. Jude Dream Home is one of the biggest fundraisers for the hospital, having raised more than $155 million dollars nationally. Dr. Mack relies on members of Epsilon Sigma Alpha to head tickets sales for the Dream Home. To read more about the Dream Home and how ESA has helped to make this event so successful, click here.

Chattanooga ESA supports St. Jude through Dream Home

2010-06-09T14:17:00.006-06:00

During Tennesse's Epsilon Sigma Alpha state convention, chapters learned that they raised $102,634.21 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in 2009-2010 and remain in the top 10 states for fundraising efforts for St. Jude. As part of a nationwide effort by ESA to raise funds for St. Jude, Chattanooga ESA chapters (Alpha Beta, Delta Rho, Gamma Chi, Omicron Mu) are once again handling ticket sales for the annual Dream Home Giveaway. For more information, view the article here.

Alpha Gamma celebrates Memorial Day

2010-06-09T13:16:00.006-06:00

Members of Alpha Gamma Chapter of Grand Prairie, Texas, visited Veterans Memorial Park during Memorial Day where they honored America's troops for their Hope for Heroes: an Epsilon Sigma Alpha National Event project. A permanent plaque will soon be installed to showcase all that Alpha Gamma did for our soldiers this past year.

ESA receives heartfelt thanks from soldiers abroad

2010-06-03T10:52:00.008-06:00

In appreciation for all that Epsilon Sigma Alpha does for our heroes abroad, Sergeant First Class, Steve Toth, wrote a heartfelt thank you to ESA members that participated in Hope for Heroes, addressing the letter to his "Heroes at home": "I want to thank each and every one of you, your families, friends, various businesses and organizations who have supported us during this deployment. Our heartfelt thanks is beyond words for the cards, e-mails, letters and packages y'all sent us. You have taken the time and made the effort to support us during our mission to defend freedom of not only America, but the freedoms of our neighbors all over the world -- as we are doing here in Afghanistan."

Well done everyone, this is what it's all about!

Virginia Tech takes Relay for Life prize

2010-05-25T11:13:00.008-06:00

Epsilon Sigma Alpha members of Omega Psi, Chapter of Virgina Tech and Blacksburg, VA, won "Best Looking Campsite" at Virginia Tech's Relay for Life for the second year in a row! According to member Kristin May, the relay went well -- with Omega Psi raising a total of about $3,500 with almost every member in attendance. Congrats and great work!

Teaming up with Dollar Tree to support heroes

2010-05-20T15:28:00.004-06:00

Members of Alpha Chi Chapter of Olympia, WA, teamed up with Dollar Tree for a Hope for Heroes/Veteran's Day event. Dollar Tree runs a program called "Make a Soldier Smile," in which they have an agreement with Joint Base Lewis McChord to pick up purchased items for distribution to active military personnel in Afghanistan. Alpha Chi members developed flyers with the Hope for Heroes and Epsilon Sigma Alpha names. The flyer included a list of requested items by service men and women. They set up their table on Veteran's Day in front of the local Dollar Tree store for three hours and introduced the program to shoppers as they entered the store. During that time the store reported more than 170 items sold! One customer commented that it was like a scavenger hunt.

A thank you note from Afghanistan

2010-05-06T10:50:00.000-06:00

Hello all. This is Chief Eric Purcell of NMCB 4 in Afghanistan. I would like
to thank you for your time and effort of support for the troops and thank
you for the box. I am sharing right now. Appreciate this a lot. I sent Diane
Hammes a Facebook message as well.

We appreciate the support! Thank you.

Very Respectfully,
ITC(SW) Eric Purcell

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Four
S-6 ISSM/Information Dominance
ISM BS/Security Plus
COMM:(805) 982-3495
DSN:(312) 551-3495
Roshan: 0795798544

Sigma Phi participates in for Relay for Life

2010-04-21T11:09:00.003-06:00

Members of Sigma Phi Chapter of Columbia, SC, and South Carolina University, participated in Relay for Life on April 18th. Epsilon Sigma Alpha members helped raise $84,000 to fight cancer. “I think that this is a good way to get a lot of people together to fight for those who can’t do it themselves,” said Megan Johnson, an ESA member. “It’s very important to us because we have a few cancer survivors in our sorority.” For more information on the event, visit the article here.

ESA member wins Yellow Ribbon award

2010-04-16T11:40:00.002-06:00

BJ Voll, member of Delta Zeta Chapter of Jasper, IN, was given the Yellow Ribbon award by the Indiana National Guard for her leadership in support of guard members and families through the Hope for Heroes: an Epsilon Sigma Alpha National Event project. "We got to see and hug on all the soldiers from the Bloomington Unit. I met our 'Christmas family' ... they had a full opening ceremony and the soldiers marching into the room...I had God pumps the whole time," said BJ of the event. Great work, this is what we love to see!

Thank you, ESA!

2010-04-06T15:09:00.005-06:00

Members of ESA receieved a thank you e-mail from Iraq:

To the members of Epsilon Sigma Alpha,

I am 1SG Joseph Martinez of Charlie Company, 52D Infantry Regiment, and I would like say to thank you to each and every one of you for your support. We really appreciate you folks in taking the time to send us care packages and letters. This why the Armed Forces are motivated and willing to do what it takes to defend our freedom and our way of life.

Feel free to check our Company pictures on www.strykernews.com . Click on the photo tab at the top of the page, then look for C Co. 52D IN REGT.

Very Respectfully,
1SG Joseph Martinez
C Co. 52D IN REGT, 3-2 SBCT
FOB Warhorse, IZ
APO AE 09336

Photo from strykernews.com.

Floats for Veterans

2010-03-29T14:50:00.002-06:00

ESA members of Beta Rho Chapter of Carlsbad, NM, created two floats for their local Veteran's Day Parade which family members of veterans rode proudly.

ESA support for the troops

2010-03-25T16:22:00.003-06:00

Members of Alpha Iota Chapter of Anchorage, AK, attended the Redeployment Ceremony of the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) 25th Infantry Division stationed at Fort Richardson, Alaska. Alpha Iota supported the 2-377 Parachute Field Artillery Regiment Bravo Company, which was deployed to Afghanistan for a year.

Pictured are Alpha Iota members and their husbands having lunch with several members of the Combat Team after the ceremony.

Chapter Pride for Hope for Heroes

2010-03-25T16:13:00.002-06:00

ESA members of Xi Chi Chapter of O'Fallon, IL boasted 100 percent chapter participation at a fundraiser for Hope for Heroes on November 7, 2009.

Alpha Upsilon 'Math-a-Thon' for St. Jude

2010-03-25T15:54:00.005-06:00

Members of Alpha Upsilon Chapter of Mattoon, IL, held a Math-a-Thon at Riddle Elementary School to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Students solved math problems in a printed or online Funbook and asked family and friends for donations in support of their participation. "We are very proud of our students for wanting to work hard to raise money for St. Jude through Math-A-Thon," said Suzi Coffman, Epsilon Sigma Alpha member and coordinator of the event. "Our school, students and community are helping St. Jude in its work to find cures and save children."

For more information on the event, visit the article here.

Photo on right courtesy of Mattoon Journal Gazette/Charleston Times-Courier

ESA member volunteers for a dozen years at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Course

2010-03-24T16:52:00.003-06:00

Shirley Gresham, member of Beta Beta Chapter of Palm Harbor, FL was featured in an article for the St. Petersburg Times for her long-lasting volunteer work.

Click this link to read the whole story:
http://www.tampabay.com/news/humaninterest/innisbrook-resort-and-golf-course-volunteer-is-about-more-than-tournaments/1081337

Going once, going twice...

2010-03-01T15:38:00.003-07:00

Members of Alpha Nu Chapter of Merritt Island, FL, had a ball at their very successful purse auction fundraiser. Throughout the event, ladies dressed up as "old bags" provided entertainment with skits and silliness.

Making ESA known on Veteran's Day

2010-02-25T16:51:00.002-07:00

In November, members of Delta Xi Chapter of Portland, OR (and two Men of ESA) proudly walked in the Annual Veteran's Day Parade in Portland, OR. ESA members passed out fliers about Delta Xi and ESA, as well as collected items that they'd later send to the troops in Iraq as part of Hope for Heroes: An ESA National Event.

Boxes for Heroes

2010-02-23T16:10:00.002-07:00

Retired Air Force Colonel Bruce Deane (brother-in-law of Kentucky State Council President Sherry Suggs) was proud to deliver 20 Kentucky 4H4 boxes to the patients at Walter Reed Hospital on behalf of the members of ESA.

Beta Nu flips pancakes for a good cause

2010-02-22T09:54:00.002-07:00

Members of Beta Nu Chapter of Prattvile, AL, sponsored a pancake breakfast to raise funds for Easter Seals of Central Alabama this past weekend. For more information on the Epsilon Sigma Alpha sponsored event, check out the story here.

Alpha Rho fills blizzard bags for Meals on Wheels

2010-02-19T13:50:00.006-07:00

Members of Alpha Rho Chapter of Broken Arrow, OK, filled blizzard bags for Meals on Wheels and donated $500 on behalf of Epsilon Sigma Alpha this week. For more information, visit the story here.

Omega Pi's love for the troops is answered

2010-02-19T13:40:00.004-07:00

Deployed soldiers stationed in North Carolina and currently deployed in Afghanistan received Valentine’s Day care packages in time for the big day and sent photos back along with their thanks. Members of Omega Pi Chapter of East Carolina University and Greenville, NC, assembled Valentine’s Day care packages for soldiers in Afghanistan for their Hope for Heroes: an Epsilon Sigma Alpha National Event project.

Thanks from Afghanistan

2010-02-09T13:10:00.003-07:00

Epsilon Sigma Alpha members continue to touch lives overseas during the Hope for Heroes national event. A troop stationed in Afghanistan (pictured above) sent an email and picture in thanks for the packages they recieved.

SFC Steve Toth writes, "A big thanks from all of us in Alpha Company, 2-151st Infantry, Indiana for all that y'all do."

Omega Pi shows their heroes some love for Valentine's Day

2010-02-08T13:41:00.012-07:00

Members of Omega Pi Chapter of East Carolina University and Greenville, NC, assembled Valentine’s Day care packages for soldiers in Afghanistan for their Hope for Heroes: an Epsilon Sigma Alpha National Event project. One package will event be sent to the husband of their faculty advisor.

Alpha Rho supports their heroes

2010-02-03T16:53:00.002-07:00

In support of Hope for Heroes, Ruth Berg and Dolly Andrus, members of Alpha Rho Chapter of Tampa, FL, presented Bob Williams with almost 150 small pillows that the chapter made to be sent to the troops overseas. Mr. Williams, of Wesley Chapel, regularly prepares packages for the soldiers.

Alpha Lamba continues to show love for the troops

2010-02-01T12:01:00.007-07:00

Members of Alpha Lamba Chapter of Vermillion, SD, sent 50 care packages to troops overseas for their Hope for Heroes: an Epsilon Sigma Alpha National Event project. Alpha Lamba sewed cloth string bags and filled them with goodies for their fourth year of Heroes. Member Crystal Monk was honored to get a picture with Curtis, a serviceman from the Yankton unit.

Cowboy Pancake Breakfast

2010-01-28T16:30:00.002-07:00

Epsilon Sigma Alpha members find creative ways to get involved! ESA member Teresa Christensen Colgate of California is featured in this article about her chapter's unique annual fundraising event. http://www.redbluffdailynews.com/news/ci_14238471

Former St. Jude patient, and ESA member's spouse, urges giving

2010-01-28T16:07:00.004-07:00

Epsilon Sigma Alpha members have connections with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital beyond fundraising. This article published in The Ruston Daily Reader illustrates how St. Jude's work positively impacted ESA member Alice Byrne's life - by saving her husband's life when he was a child. The article also discusses the event Alice is co-chairing to benefit St. Jude. Check it out! http://rustonleader.com/news.php?id=6249

Theta Epsilon shows support for troops

2010-01-18T10:03:00.004-07:00

Theta Epsilon Chapter of Blytheville, AR, sent out 22 care packages to troops overseas for their Hope for Heroes: an Epsilon Sigma Alpha National Event project. The heartfelt gratitude Theta Epsilon received hit home as one care package recipient is a cousin to chapter second vice president, Denise Holdaway. "Please thank everybody that sent stuff for us, they don't know how much it means...Most of us are just trying to do our job and get back to our loved ones safe. It is nice to know that those back home appreciate us and what we do and I think that is the best support they can give," Razer Sargeant Bradley said. Theta Epsilon plans to send more care packages in time for Valentine's Day.

Greetings from Afghanistan

2010-01-13T11:48:00.003-07:00

Members of Epsilon Sigma Alpha recently received a thank you letter for their efforts during the Hope for Heroes: An ESA National Event.

Alpha Nu helps raise funds for veteran service dogs

2010-01-06T14:01:00.002-07:00

Alpha Nu Chapter of Merritt Island, FL, hosted a three-day event to raise money and support for America’s VetDogs for their Hope for Heroes: an Epsilon Sigma Alpha National event project. America’s VetDogs is an organization that trains service dogs to provide mobility, independence and companionship to veterans who return home with life-altering injuries. With the help of Alpha Nu’s donation drive, America’s VetDogs is able to provide dogs, training, and a lifetime of aftercare at no cost to the veteran. Having been a huge success, the chapter looks forward to participating again next year.

ESA Supporting the Military since WWII

2009-12-15T12:01:00.004-07:00

During World War II, Epsilon Sigma Alpha sponsored an "Empty Your Purse for Uncle Sam" campaign, one of the first nationally organized activities of the organization. In this door-to-door campaign, members collected metal for recycling into munitions. ESA also collected books and other reading material for distribution to Soldiers deployed around the world. On Dec. 3rd a New Orleans ESA chapter donated more than $2,000 of food and comfort products to Sailors assigned to Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base (NAS JRB).

ESA Chapter has Inaugural Turkey Bowl

2009-12-15T12:01:00.003-07:00

Tau Kappa Epsilon Chapter of Adrian, MI held its first-ever Turkey Bowl on Nov. 19. Three Epsilon Sigma Alpha Chapter, Alpha Phi, Chi Omega and Alpha Sigma Alpha, participated. The Turkey Bowl was a seven-on-seven flag football tournament. To start off the event, Alpha Phi played Delta Nu Kappa. Next, Chi Omega faced Alpha Sigma Alpha. The winners of those matches, Alpha Phi and Chi Omega, then competed in the final round. Alpha Phi was the overall winner and took home a trophy that will be passed off to the winning sorority each year. Chi Omega came in second, followed by Delta Nu Kappa,and Alpha Sigma Alpha. The reason for holding the event was to raise money for TKE’s local charity, the Daily Bread. Those who attended were asked to either pay a $1 fee or bring a canned food item to gain admittance.

ESA Decked out For Christmas

2009-12-15T12:01:00.001-07:00

Beta Iota Chapter of McAlester, OK hosted their Christmas Tour of Homes on Dec. 13th. The Epsilon Sigma Alpha chapter tour consisted of four stops, which is a typical number for the annual event. Chapter members called various homeowners to determine if they are willing to have their homes and Christmas decorations be a part of the tour. “St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is Epsilon Sigma Alpha International’s main project, and we contribute to that, as well, but we try to keep most of our fundraising local, going to local projects,” Betty Blakman.

Belmont Abbey Give thanks. Walk.

2009-12-15T11:59:00.004-07:00

ESA hosts Dinner for Veterans

2009-12-15T11:59:00.001-07:00

The Epsilon Sigma Alpha Chapter of Frankfurt, KS hosted a dinner for the veterans of the Frankfort Community at the American Legion Post. Approximately 85 were in attendance that included 34 veterans, along with their spouse or family member, and 16 members of Beta Epsilon. Veterans shared their stories and the event was a huge success! The evening concluded with closing remarks by Andy Mayer, VFW Commander.

Beta Zeta Shows Support for Troops differently

2009-12-15T11:58:00.000-07:00

The Epsilon Sigma Alpha Beta Zeta Chapter of Canon City, CO chose the new PTSD unit at Havens Behavioral Health in Pueblo for their Hope for Heroes: An ESA National event project. The newly formed psych unit houses 25 military members in treatment for PTSD. Dr Corinne Harper requested items for the day room including DVDs, games and books for the veterans. The ESA chapter also contributed gas cards to be given to family members who were strained financially when it came to visiting their loved ones. They were so appreciative that the chapter plans to take up another collection of items this spring.

A unique spin on a Christmas tour of homes

2009-12-08T11:40:00.002-07:00

Beta Iota Chapter of McAlester, OK, is planning an incredible tour of homes this coming Saturday. For 30 years, members of Beta Iota have planned this fun event for their community benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Click the title to read the full story in their local paper.

National organization collects bears for troops overseas | BartlesvilleLIVE

2009-12-04T14:49:00.001-07:00

National organization collects bears for troops overseas | BartlesvilleLIVE

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Zoo Atlanta Hosts ESA Chapter's Give thanks. Walk

2009-12-04T14:25:00.002-07:00

Alpha Delta Chapter of Winston, GA increased chapter participation from 3 to 37 thanks to the efforts of Gail Marchant. "I begged, pushed, cajoled, encouraged and prodded the Ga. ESA Ladies trying to increase our participation. And it worked," says Gail. Epsilon Sigma Alpha's Alpha Delta chapter held their Give thanks. Walk. at the Atlanta Zoo. Even the weather cooperated!

ESA Chapter raises over $30,000 at Give thanks. Walk.

2009-12-04T14:10:00.005-07:00

Epsilon Sigma Alpha's Delta Tau Chapter of Louisville, KY raised more than $30,000 dollars for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital during their Give thanks. Walk.

Target helps ESA Chapter's Give thanks. Walk

2009-12-04T14:03:00.004-07:00

Sigma Kappa Chapter of St. Louis Park, MN has raised more than $1,200 for St. Jude Children's Research Hostpital at thier Give thanks. Walk. Last year Epsilon Sigma Alpha's Sigma Kappa chapter had 95 walkers and this year they had 1,000 walkers. On top of the $1,200 the chapter raised during the walk, Target donated a check for $10,000! Great job Sigma Kappa!

Still Going Strong for the Give thanks. Walk.

2009-12-04T13:51:00.004-07:00

Epsilon Sigma Alpha's Kappa Mu Chapter of Ivesdale, IL hosted their Give thanks. Walk. this year and is still going strong. The chapter has had their ups and downs in their first year, but are still going strong and raising lots of funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital throught the Give thanks. Walk. "We are doing great. Things are rapidly changing and always interesting. We love what we do and we love being part of something bigger then ourselves. A new saying I just read the other day that I love: We live from what we get, we have a life from what we give. I honestly think this is the meaning of the season, giving more then you ever thought and knowing that this journey is right where you were suppose to be," says Jenny Bates of Kappa Mu.

ESA’s own Hero sends her thanks

2009-11-23T14:19:00.001-07:00

Epsilon Sigma Alpha’s own hero sends her thanks for the care packages ESA sent her. She is now home safe from Iraq.

Cards Bring Smiles... to the Troops

2009-11-23T14:18:00.002-07:00

Alpha Iota Chapter of Anchorage, AK organized a project called Cards Bring Smiles to support our American heroes. The Epsilon Sigma Alpha chapter collected gift cards and donations at two different local malls. The chapter raised a staggering $740. The donations were given to the Family Services Office which distributed them to families of local Air National Guard personnel. Shari Fuhrer, Philanthropic Chairman, says “This was truly a rewarding project not only for the families but for the members of Alpha Iota as well.”

Military Child Going to Summer Camp

2009-11-23T14:17:00.005-07:00

Epsilon Sigma Alpha’s Gamma Rho Chapter of Fort Myers, FL is working hard to send a military child to summer camp. The chapter needs to raise $600 in order to send the child to camp, and they're getting close! The chapter also started Red Shirt Fridays, wearing red on Friday in support of the troops.

Last Minute Event Raises Big Money

2009-11-23T14:17:00.003-07:00

Gamma Psi Chapter North Little Rock, AR held a last minute event. A local Flag & Banner business told the Epsilon Sigma Alpha chapter he would give the chapter a discount on small handheld flags and when they arrived to purchase them he donated 100 flags. Gamma Psi set up outside a Kroger grocery store and asked for donations, giving a flag for a donation and within 2 hours our flags were gone. The chapter continued sitting outside collecting donations. The chapter raised $488 in six hours and the money will be used to send care packages to some of our military heroes overseas.

Kids help share ESA’s passion for our Heroes

2009-11-23T14:17:00.001-07:00

Gamma Pi Chapter of Indianapolis, IN partnered with Republic Services of Indiana to collect items to send to the service men and women overseas. The Epsilon Sigma Alpha chapter was also joined by Triton Central High School, Sunshine Club and SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions). An Indiana National Guard unit received 77 boxes with all costs covered by the Gamma Pi chapter. The chapter also had a 1st grade class make from Pendleton, IN make cards to go in the boxes. The chapter has received a response from the Indiana National Guard unit thanking them for the boxes and sharing how much they enjoyed the cards from the 1st grade class.

Dinner Honoring our Troops

2009-11-23T14:16:00.002-07:00

Beta Epsilon of Frankfurt, KS held an honorary dinner for all local veterans. The chapter had 85 people in attendance. Epsilon Sigma Alpha is pleased to announce the chapter was able to honor the veterans, with the help of 2 veterans, Susan Winters presented a program on the meaning of the flag folding ceremony. She also talked about the meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance and the Star Spangled Banner.

Veteran Support Runs Deep

2009-11-23T14:16:00.001-07:00

When Cheryl Bailey of Kappa Mu Chapter of Harlingen, TX first went shopping for supplies for her chapter’s Hope for Heroes event she had no idea how much support the community already had. Cheryl went to target to buy all kinds of goodies for her events and when she told the Target clerk why she had so many little goodies the clerk pulled out a big bag and said “Here, whatever you can fit in this bag is yours.” That was just the start of all the good to come for Epsilon Sigma Alpha’s Kappa Mu chapter. Cheryl surprised her own chapter by raising $121 for postage to send packages to the troops full of the goodies from Target.

Bringing the community together to Support our Troops

2009-11-23T13:49:00.001-07:00

Eta Rho Chapter of Derby, KS created 6’ banners that were located along the highway in Derby, KS to raise awareness for their Hope for Heroes events. This helped to bring the community together to honor our American heroes. Local Derby businesses also gave discounts to military personnel and their families during the week.

United States Flag Sponsorship

2009-11-23T13:48:00.002-07:00

Alpha Gamma Chapter of Grand Prairie, TX has opted to sponsor the placement of a United States flag in the Veterans Memorial Park in Grand Prairie, TX honoring all military men and women, past and present, as our way of supporting the Hope for Heroes: An ESA National Event. The Epsilon Sigma Alpha chapter has also supported the United Through Reading (UTR) at the USO/DFW for several years by donating books to the reading room. These books are made available to deployed troops who pass through DFW airport on their R&R, to read to their children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters.

Football benefits Troops

2009-11-23T13:48:00.001-07:00

Rho Chi Chapter of Tampa Bay, FL placed volunteers at a Tampa Bay Buccaneers football game to benefit their Local Easter Seals. Volunteers collected funds and all proceeds went to Camp Hope - an Easter Seals foundation providing camping opportunities for children of military families. The Epsilon Sigma Alpha chapter is pleased to say they really enjoyed making a difference for these families and they are proud to support such a great endeavor.

Blue Star Mothers and American Heroes

2009-11-23T13:47:00.004-07:00

Both Gamma Delta Chapter of Albuquerque, NM and Alpha Omega Chapter of Albuquerque, NM came together for the Blue Star Mothers Program. The Blue Star Mothers Program is an organization for mothers who have children serving or who have served in the military. Epsilon Sigma Alpha is proud to announce that both Gamma Delta Chapter and Alpha Omega Chapters are supporters of such a wonderful organization. More than $500 has been donated in funds and we estimate the donated items at $250. Both Gamma Delta and Alpha Omega presented the Blue Star Mothers with checks.

Bake Sale for Heroes

2009-11-23T13:47:00.001-07:00

Epsilon Sigma Alpha’s chapter Alpha Zeta of Fort Wayne IN hosted a bake sale on veterans day at the local YMCA. The chapter raised $265 in selling the baked goods, water bottles and cash donations.

Candlelight Ceremony

2009-11-23T13:46:00.005-07:00

Chi Omega Chapter of Eunice, NM held a candlelight ceremony in honor of our veterans and those still serving. The Epsilon Sigma Alpha chapter held their ceremony in their town triangle under a gigantic American flag. The ceremony drew in nearly 100 community members (in a town of 2,500). The chapter put together an in scripted granite slab that we donated to serve as a as a permanent monument at the triangle. The chapter and the community both enjoyed such a beautiful ceremony honoring our countries veterans.

Homegrown Support for our Heroes

2009-11-23T13:46:00.003-07:00

Epsilon Sigma Alpha’s Gamma Omega Chapter of Crystal, MN hosted their “Cheers for the Troops” event. The chapter met at Big Louie’s, a Bar and Grill in Crystal, MN, with over 60 guests in attendance. The event was in support of the Minnesota Veteran Family Support organization. The MVFS is a homegrown group dedicated to addressing the needs of our veterans’ families throughout the deployment and reintegration process. Gamma Omega was so touched by this organization that they plan to contribute hundreds of dollars to the MVFS organization.

Ziplock Love for our Heroes

2009-11-23T13:46:00.001-07:00

Kappa Mu Chapter of Harlingen, TX contributed to the Hope for Heroes: An ESA National event by putting together 130 quart sized ziplock bags stuffed with goodies to send to our troops. The Epsilon Sigma chapter also provided Information given out to various businesses and churches which had collection boxes. The chapter had a huge response in the community. Barb Atkinson says, “We are excited to be sharing our name in the community and getting thank you's for doing this service in the name of ESA.”

Hope for Heroes through Tires, Tires, Tires.

2009-11-23T13:45:00.000-07:00

Epsilon Sigma Alpha’s Beta Eta Chapter of Sioux Falls, SD hosted their Support Siouxland Soldiers and Tires, Tires, Tires event for the Hope for Heroes: An ESA National Event. The chapter packed and shipped 75 care packages outside in the Tires, Tires, Tires parking lot in Sioux Falls. The chapter was fortunate enough to have two radio stations broadcast while they were there and encouraged people to drop by. People dropped off all kinds of items for the care packages. The funds that were collected were used to purchase more items to send to our American heroes. Beta Eta enjoyed involving their community in their efforts to support the troops and overall the event was a huge success!

Hope For Heroes in Arkansas

2009-11-20T11:23:00.001-07:00

Epsilon Sigma Alpha (ESA) recently initiated a nationwide event to show love and support to our countries proud veterans. Hope for Heroes: An ESA National event was a huge success. ESA chapters from all over the nation hosted fundraising and item gathering events to support our troops.

Delta Nu Chapter of Vilonia, AR had a community tailgate party for Veterans' Day at the University of Central Arkansas. The chapter gave away a night's stay at the local Hilton with breakfast, 2 restaurant gift cards, and bags of America’s Blessing mix. The chapter also put together a ceremony that honored all Arkansans who have died in the wars since 9/11 with the Senator and Congressman of Arkansas. Delta Nu’s event was a huge success.

We're trying something new!

2009-11-19T15:12:00.004-07:00

Great news! We're trying our hat at blogging.

We had a challenge (a great challenge:) of being inundated with fabulous stories of what members and non-members were doing for the Hope for Heroes: An ESA National Event. We want to share what everyone is doing, but where do we share it? Do we wait for the next Jonquil... but that's so far away!

At a recent staff meeting, Tracy brought up the fabulous idea of blogging. It's flexible. It's real time. Everyone can see it. Members and non-members alike can comment on the happenings within ESA.

So, here's the scoop. We'll post stories, ideas, etc. we receive from members and chapters (hopefully with pictures). These can be on anything within ESA... Hope for Heroes, St. Jude, local community efforts, shining members, etc.

Now take a look at the first line... we're trying our hat at this. You may see mistakes and have suggestions. You will be touched and inspired by what your fellow members are doing. Best yet... you always have the opportunity to share with other friends, co-workers, and family members the amazing stories of ESA... your ESA.

Thanks for joining with us... enjoy the ride!

Janna