Holiday Wishes

We enjoy sharing this holiday card from Refuge House.

Epsilon Tau Epsilon of Alpha Chi Omega

hopes 2012 brings joy, peace and love to you.

Refuge House Thank You for DVA Cupcake Love

Enjoy this thank you letter from our friends at Refuge House. See another post here about the fun cupcake project we enjoy with our Beta Eta Collegiate sisters. This was year number two and we plan to make it an annual event!

FSU Sorority Holiday House Tours!

We are all invited to visit all the FSU sororities houses decorated for the holidays this Sunday, December 4th.

Jenn and Amy plan to meet at noon at Westcott Fountain for the Tour and would love to have you join them  for this festive and fun event that will raise funds for Dance Marathon. Here are all the details:

What: Dance Marathon at Florida State University's 1st Annual Sorority Holiday House Tour
When: Sunday, December 4th from 12:00pm to 4:00 pm
Cost: $15 per adult, $10 per student and senior - will include a tour of each of the 16 FSU sororities, food and refreshments, and presentations from local vendors. When you purchase your ticket, mention Alpha Chi Omega so the chapter can get credit for your contribution.

Benefiting Dance Marathon, Childrens Miracle Network, and The Florida State University College of Medicine

The 1st Annual Sorority Holiday House Tour, benefiting Dance Marathon at The Florida State University, will take place Saturday December 4, 2011 from 12pm- 4pm. People from all over the state and local community will gather together in Tallahassee, Florida for this special event, as they step into the sorority houses at The Florida State University. This is the only time of year that these million dollar mansions open up their holiday-decorated houses for everyone to see! Free parking will belocated near the Westcott Building and check-in will begin at 11:30 in front of the Westcott Fountain. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors and can be purchased prior through each individual sorority, through Dance Marathon directly or at the event check-in table! If you have any questions about this event please contact Kyle Dunnington at

RSVP on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/events/314240291937320/

Will YOU Take the Challenge?

What is in store for Alpha Chi Omega sisters this month?

Help Refuge House and Go to the Beach!

Win a 5 Day, 4 Night Stay at

St. George Island Beach House!!!

Lovely three bedroom (Sleeps 8), two-bath home with spacious furnished screened porch and a wonderful Gulf view. Enjoy looking at dolphins from the widow's walk with a panoramic view and a sunning deck! Wood-burning fireplace, multiple TVs, VCRs, and DVDs, stereo and CD/tape player. Steps away from the beach and the bike path.

$1,000 Value * Suggested Donation: $5 Per 6 tickets/$1 Per Ticket

Drawing: Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 2011 at Turkey Trot Race SouthWood Complex

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE PRESENT TO WIN.

Contact AXO-ETE to get a ticket or call the Refuge House Office of Development at 850-922-6062!

Refuge House is the domestic and sexual violence center for Leon and the seven neighboring counties in North Florida: Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, and Wakulla. The mission of Refuge House is to provide direct services to battered women, their children, and sexual assault survivors, as well as to eliminate conditions in society that allow such violence to continue.

REFUGE HOUSE, INC. IS REGISTERED WITH THE STATE UNDER THE SOLICITATION CONTRIBUTIONS ACT, 1991, REGISTRATION NUMBER SC01682. REFUGE HOUSE, INC. RECEIVES 100% OF EACH CONTRIBUTION. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRAITON AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTRAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE, 1-800-435-7352. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.

I Spy ... Sisters in the Community

It was a special treat to see Alpha Chi Omega sister Tracy Bell Bane (Delta Upsilon, CO State) and an Alpha Chi Omega's daughter (the daughter is an Alpha Omicron Pi) in our local newspaper, Tallahassee Democrat.

Barbara C's (Gamma Iota, UF) daughter Kerry and Tracy are in the same counseling practice!

We appreciate their desire to assist others and wish them the best of luck with their practice. We were proud to see them featured prominently in the paper.

Bid Day at Alpha Chi Omega - Beta Eta chapter

The local collegiate chapter Epsilon Tau Epsilon supports is Beta Eta chapter at Florida State University. Today, two weeks of hard work (and lots of sisterhood fun) during their pre-recruitment training that culminated in a Preview for alumnae and friends; and a week of recruiting more than 1450 potential new members, culminates in BID DAY.

Below are the wooden letter the chapter paints to coordinate with each bid day.

Above, a bevy of the beautiful 2010 new members posing with the chapter's famous wooden letters (constructed by the Britain's dad) in the informal living room. They had just received their "Alpha" sisters for bid day.

The new members received a t-shirt, monogrammed bag, croakies, a composite and the chapter's new member handbook.

The theme of the day is "Forever Classic, Forever Alpha Chi".

This is a shot of the dining room.

The colors are white, teal and pink. The seniors are wearing teal dresses and the rest of the chapter is wearing white dresses.

We're so proud of the chapter and really enjoyed helping their success.

Thank you again to the numerous alumnae who helped the chapter!

Another Opportunity to Support Refuge House!

Join us in supporting Tallahassee Rollergirls as they support our favorite local cause, Refuge House!

click to see full-size

Recruitment Preview!

Our collegiate sisters at FSU AXO invited us to a Recruitment Preview!

It will be held the Saturday before Recruitment begins and will showcase all aspects of Recruitment including a chance to see their videos (for first round and (new this year) for Philanthropy Day), the Skit and to take house tours. After the Preview, we are all invited to stay for snacks and conversation with our sisters. Please feel free to bring your daughters, granddaughter, nieces or neighbors as this will be a great introduction to sorority life and recruitment. (Note that anyone registered as a potential new member for FSU Recruitment 2011 cannot attend.)

Saturday, August 20th 1:30-3:00pm
Recruitment Preview and Reception
at the FSU Alpha Chi Omega House
518 West Park Avenue, Tallahassee

Please let Amy our president know if you (and your guests) can attend so she can tell the collegians how many people to expect. Contact Amy if you have questions.

We are SUPER excited about this fun opportunity.

The Collection on Gaines - Supporting Refuge House

The Collection on Gaines is Refuge House's "re-vamped, re-vived resale shop" (Tallahassee Democrat, April 1, 2011)

Lulu, a woman blessed with a happy spirit and fun attitude merchandises the shop, and she makes the shopping experience a pleasure! Check them out on Facebook, , she uploads photos daily of new merchandise in the shop to entice her regulars. She blogs as well! Please read this post: The Donating Game: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly - SO IMPORTANT!

We hope you will donate and shop at The Collection on Gaines frequently. Visit them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Lulus.collection

Lulu's talent for arranging items makes the shop fun, organized and trendy.

She changes displays for the seasons and trends, as seen in the Red, White & Blue display for July 4th at left.

Lulu working her magic!
















"Barbie Bouquet" - too cute

Help Us Help Refuge House

Calling All Alpha Chi Omegas!!

DID YOU KNOW?

v      Refuge House’s Emergency Shelter provides for 450-500 women and children per year and the cost per person is $35.00 a day. That’s $1575.00 for the average 45 day stay!

v      Refuge House’s Hotline receives 3,300 domestic and sexual violence calls per year. After providing counseling, safety planning, crisis intervention and resources the average cost for each call is estimated at $80.00.

v      Refuge House’s Courthouse Assistance program, which provides information and assistance in preparing petitions for protective, injunctions, courtroom accompaniment, referral to free legal assistance and other Refuge House services, treats 1,000 victims each year with an average cost of $50.00 per person.

v      Refuge House’s Rape Crisis/ Hospital Response program, which provides forensic exams, crisis counseling, law enforcements advocacy for victim, medical supervision, forensic expert testimony in rape trials, ongoing counseling and medical follow-up, treats 100 rape victims per year at $550 cost per person.

v      Refuge House’s Transition Housing program places 60 women and children in supportive counseling and safe housing for up to 2.5 years at $315.oo per month per person

I’m sure a lot of you knew Refuge House provided these services, but I am almost certain none of you knew the financial cost. Compared to all other shelters in Florida, Refuge House provides services to the largest number (8) of counties in Florida. Most of the areas are predominately rural, undeserved areas with the exception of Tallahassee, Quincy and Perry, which means Refuge House really needs our help!

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

On Monday, October 3^rd, Refuge House will be hosting the 12^th Annual Sheriff Larry Campbell Golf Tournament at Southwood. I have volunteered to help in recruiting sponsorships and silent auction donations, and with Beta Eta and ETE’s help, I know we can provide Refuge House with some amazing donations.

If you would be interested in securing a silent auction donation, know of a company that would like to sponsor, would like to participate in the golf tournament, have a great idea on how to raise money, or volunteer to help on the day of, please email me at dgulasa@gmail.com or visit www.refugehouse.com .  I have a lot of marketing materials I can provide you and would really appreciate the help and support!

Let’s show our AXO support and bring awareness to this great cause!

LITB,

Danielle Gulasa

Make Time to Socialize!

Hope to see you Thursday!:

Farewell Happy Hour
Thursday, August 4th, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Drop by Jenn's house on your way home from work and share your best wishes with our graduating/departing alumnae, graduate students. See our Facebook page for more information, or email Jenn Butler.

Artopia - Fine Arts & Helping Others - SS

We were proud to support our sister Perry (Beta Eta, FSU) the Development Director for Big Bend Cares during her signature event:

ARTOPIA

What is Artopia? (from the website):
Now in its 13th year, Artopia is a charity art fundraising event that benefits Big Bend Cares. Local and regional artists donate their artwork for this event, which includes a few signed and numbered limited editions.

Before the volunteers started work! (left to right)


Marc (Brother of Hermes), Britain (Beta Eta, FSU), Chris (Delta Chi), Amy (Zeta Upsilon, Case), Kate (Beta Eta, collegiate Panhellenic Delegate)

Chris (Delta Chi) and Kate (Beta Eta, collegiate Panhellenic Delegate) showing a piece of art during the live auction.

Amy, Britain, Chris and Kate also worked the silent auction, Marc and Jenn worked the live auction, and we all served cake.





As always, the ETE president and social media guru Amy blogged about the event:http://365thruamyseyes.blogspot.com/2011/06/artopia-recap.html

As did the 2009 Young Alumna and Beta Eta's chapter advisor, our buddy Britain:http://www.simplysoutherngirl.com/2011/06/artopia-great-art-for-great-cause.html

In the paper - TWICE in one week! ... SS

It is always exciting to see a sister quoted in the paper for work or a happy occassion. Thank you Cynthia (Beta Eta, FSU) for being a Real. Strong. Woman. role model.

Fla. Lottery secretary touts contributions to education
By Kate Schofield
Democrat writer
11:16 PM, Jul. 29, 2011|

Ending her speech in front of the Economic Cub of Florida on Friday afternoon, Cynthia O'Connell had one simple request — she asked the audience to buy lottery tickets.

O'Connell, appointed secretary of the Florida Lottery by Gov. Rick Scott on Feb. 9, spoke to the club about the mission behind Florida's Lottery: to give funds to Florida education and to aid the Florida economy as a whole.

Last fiscal year, the lottery brought in more than $4 billion, and about $3.9 billion of that was injected into the state's economy, O'Connell said. That is the first time the lottery has brought in that amount since 2008.

The Florida Lottery has contributed $22 billion to education since 1988. O'Connell and her staff of 24 aim to reach the $23 billion mark by October or November.

For every dollar spent on Florida lottery tickets, she said about 62 cents are returned to players as prizes. Thirty cents gets transferred to the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF), 5 cents are returned to retailers for commissions and bonuses, 1 cent is paid to game vendors and 2 cents are used for other operating costs (including staff salaries, advertising and all office operations).

The lottery also has funded a half-million students' Bright Futures scholarships, she added. Even with the recent changes the Legislature has made with Bright Futures, O'Connell said the mission to fund education is still at the heart of the Florida Lottery.

"The Florida Lottery is still important for education regardless of the changes the Legislature makes," she said after her speech. "It is our mandate to help fund education and we will continue to do that."

She said the Florida Lottery will use more social networks and mobile apps to expand demographics and be part of the 21st century world.

"We want to move Florida Lottery into the modern day we live in" she told the audience. The Economic Club of Florida tries to meet once a month and has had more than 400 speakers in its history including former Sen. Bob Graham and Clark Hoyt, public editor for The New York Times, said club chairman John Kurowski.


Lt. Gov. Carroll headlines panel featuring women in government

By Dana Edwards
Special to the Chronicle
Jul 27, 2011|

Jennifer Carroll told more than 300 Girls State delegates that being Florida's first African-American lieutenant governor was "never part of my personal plan — but, sometimes, you have to be open to higher plans."

Speaking on a panel organized by the James Madison Institute (JMI), Carroll retraced the steps that led to her election last November. She described her years serving in the Florida House, and how her early experience in the Navy helped prepare her to head the Florida agency in charge of veterans affairs.

She also admitted that public speaking came easily to her — after she had practiced in front of a mirror.

Carroll's remarks highlighted the James Madison Institute's annual "Women in Government" panel at Florida Girls' State.

This year's forum took place at FSU's Moore Auditorium and also featured Rep. Marti Coley of Blountstown, Florida Lottery Secretary Cindy O'Connell and Leon County Judge Nina Ashenafi Richardson.

Coley advised the young women to recognize that being a mother can aid one's experience rather than stifle opportunities. And Coley admitted that she, too, had never imagined running for public office — until the unfortunate death of her newly elected husband in 2005 prompted her to run for his House seat.

O'Connell noted that the diverse backgrounds of the JMI panelists — military, education, business, law — showed that there are many different routes to public service. She also shared her time-management techniques and how she weighs commitments in her personal and public lives.

Similarly, Richardson encouraged the students to invest time in something besides their future careers, offering her participation on the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra Board as an example. She said the key to a successful career is choosing something you enjoy doing every day.

Each panelist advised the girls to take time for themselves each day, whether that is prayer, exercise or something else. Taking time for yourself, they said, helps you to be at your best for all the people in your life.

Sorority Recruitment at FSU!

Thank you for your help last year!

Sorority Recruitment at FSU will be here before you know it! The dates are Monday, August 22nd through Saturday, August 27th. If you can help out at the FSU AXO House at any time that week, we would love to have your help! Most of the parties are held during the work day and as always we need volunteers to help serve water, keep the house looking great and help behind the scenes. We’ll also need large groups of volunteers Friday night August 26th and Saturday night August 27th to help with tally. No special skills are needed!

If you would like to help, please comment below and we'll be in touch with you! Thank you in advance, we appreciate you!

Please also let us know if you need the official Alpha Chi Omega Recruitment Information Form. It can be downloaded from the Alpha Chi Omega National website (here, note you have to log in) or comment below and we'll send you one by email.

Completed forms can be mailed to:
Laurel Deininger, CRIC
Alpha Chi Omega
518 West Park Avenue
Tallahassee, FL 32301

Thanks as always for the great assistance you all provide!

Best Wishes Connie - 39 years of service!

How delightful to see the Tallahassee Democrat wrote a great story about our Beta Eta sister Connie. Best Wishes in Retirement Connie. Leon High School will miss you!

May 26, 2011

Leon High bids Walberg farewell after 39 years

By Ashley Amesm, DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER

For Connie Walberg, retiring from a profession that she has dedicated 39 years of her life to is bittersweet.

"I love teaching," the Leon High School teacher said emphatically. "If I knew that I was going to have a certain amount of time, 20 or 30 years more to live and be in good health, I'd keep teaching another 10."

A group of Walberg's friends and co-workers gathered at Chez Pierre on Wednesday afternoon to send the veteran teacher off with a bang. Walberg has spent her entire career at Leon High School, since she started as an intern in the early '70s. Leon High principal Rocky Hanna actually had her as an instructor.

"Connie Walberg has been one of the cornerstones at Leon High School over the last four decades," he said. "Over 39 years, she has taught and inspired thousands and thousands of young lives, including mine."

Walberg has taught a variety of classes, ranging from English to humanities to psychology. Her passion, however, is art history, something that she shares with her students in the classroom and on her annual trip to Europe. For 32 years, the majority of her teaching career, she has chaperoned a month-long trip to London, Paris, Rome and Florence for local students.
Sheila Costigan, who has known and been close friends with Walberg since 1980, said the teacher is in a class of her own.

"Her heart is filled with so much goodness," she said. "She helps every kid, every day. She gives everyone a chance to become something larger than they ever thought they could be."
Walberg, 60, has been teaching in Leon County for almost two-thirds of her life. She said she will truly miss her students.

"I'm all about forming relationships with my students. I care about them, so not having that connection is going to be very, very difficult," she said.

She is looking forward to having time to travel with her husband, Jerry, and volunteering in the community.

"You don't replace a Connie Walberg," Hanna said, adding that the school and students she has connected with will always remember her. "Her legacy will live forever in these halls — and in the spirit of what we do best at Leon — and that's educating kids."

Steve Ellis 5K Weekend - SS

Thanks Alpha Chi Omega sisters, Tallahasseans, Pi Kappa Alpha brothers, FSU fans and Clemson fans for supporting the Steve Ellis Memorial Scholarship 5K this Saturday by running, volunteering or eating at Piggy's.

We are always excited to support our sisters' worthy philanthropic events!

Special thanks to those volunteering - Lauren B (Beta Eta, FSU), Aimee J (Beta Eta, FSU), Marc H (Brother of Hermes & Jenn's husband), Jenn (Theta Lambda, Clemson), Karen E (Beta Eta, FSU), Lori R (Beta Eta collegian), Kate B (Beta Eta collegian)

and

running - Tara R (Beta Eta, FSU), Chris S (Brother of Hermes & Pike & Amy Z's husband), Stacia D (Beta Eta collegian).

If you'd like to contribute to the scholarship, please see our previous blog post:
http://axoete.blogspot.com/2010/11/steve-ellis-memorial-scholarship-run.html

We love ya' Karen (Beta Eta, FSU)!

Congratulations Beta Eta Seniors/New Alumnae!

In April we held Alpha Chi Omega Hall of Commitment for the graduating seniors three times. The first big ceremony was Sunday, April 10th and the two smaller ceremonies later in the month for sisters who were out of town or who had other obligations on the 10th. Thank you to all the alumnae who came out to assist with the ceremonies and congratulate the seniors on their accomplishments!

April 10th serious photo

funny photo

round two

round 3

We're glad we were able to accommodate the schedules of all but one of the seniors (and she is staying in Tallahassee to go to medical school at FSU so we'll be able to catch up with her later). 

Each of the seniors received a goodie bag with small gifts designed to help them transition from being a collegiate member to an alumna. 

 presents!

Salad Days Success!

A big thank you to our wonderful sisters who came out Monday evening and contributed to help make our bath and bedding drive for Refuge House a success! A special thanks to our guest, Diane Jefferson, Development Director of Refuge House, who made us all feel like we are truly making a difference for the women and children Refuge House serves. 

Sisters from seven Alpha Chi collegiate chapters with Diane Jefferson of Refuge House. 

Standing (l to r): Diane Jefferson, Lynda (Beta Gamma, Louisiana State), Margaret (Beta Sigma, Univ of Georgia), Amy (Zeta Upsilon, Case Western Reserve Univ), Kristen (Gamma Iota, Univ of Florida and Beta Eta, Florida State), Chelsie (Iota Psi, Elon Univ); seated (l to r): Aimee (Beta Eta, Florida State), Britain (Beta Eta, Florida State) and Jennifer (Theta Lambda, Clemson) 

The big stack of towels, twin sheet sets and pillows we collected for Refuge House!

Sisters with the donations

All of us helping Diane load the donations in her car - luckily she had big enough vehicle to hold everything! 

Thanks to Alumnae Panhellenic of Tallahassee for awarding us their Philanthropic Grant, the proceeds of which went toward these donations. Thanks also to cash donations from our members (as well as from  Beta Eta alumna Danielle and Zeta Upsilon alumna Amy from the Tweet-up they held for Refuge House) we had a cash donation for RH for $150 to go along with all the linens. 

In addition to helping a great cause, we enjoyed a lovely evening (inside, unfortunately, due to the overly warm weather) and delicious dinner with the variety of salads everyone brought along. It was a wonderful evening enjoying the society of our sisters!

Baby Best Wishes

Many warm wishes to our sisters who are celebrating spring babies!

Kristen (Gamma Iota, UF), http://schlorholtz.net/wordpress/?m=201101

and

Jenny (Beta Lambda, Univ of AZ) who was highlighted previously, http://axoete.blogspot.com/2010/11/another-sister-is-woman-to-watch.html, and her husband on the birth of their first baby girl.

You're on Candid Camera meets I Spy

Our sister Kristen (Gamma Iota/Beta Eta) is a busy lady. On top of her new title of "Mrs." she was in an epsiode of Georgia Public Broadcasting's show "Georgia Traveler", Season 4, Epsiode 10. The show visited Liam's in Thomasville, GA - YUM.

http://www.gpb.org/georgiatraveler/410 (8:53 - a great shot of her smile - love ya Kristen!)

If you haven't been to Liam's, get yourself there! And then enjoy a stroll in downtown Thomasville where many of our ETE sisters live!

Creative Writing - SS

Tuesday, April 26, 8pm support the Southeast Review Literary Magazine and event organizers Anne (Delta Xi, Denison) and her fellow Creative Writing graduate student Lauren Fusilier at the Southeast Review annual fundraiser.

The event features "a raffle, trivia competition, readings of FSU professors' writings and, in what's sure to be a hoot, a variety show put on by Creative Writing Program professors Julianna Baggott, Erin Belieu, Jimmy Kimbrell, Diane Roberts and Mark Winegardner."

It will be held at The Warehouse, 706 W. Gaines St. Admission is $5 for students, $10 for the general public. Contact: Call 222-6188 or visit http://www.southeastreview.org

You will remember we posted about Anne's work earlier also, http://axoete.blogspot.com/2011/03/alpha-chi-alumna-in-fine-arts.html

We are proud of our sisters working hard to support and promote the Fine Arts!

Tweetup 4 Refuge House: Using Social Media for Philanthropy & Sisterhood

Remember our last blog post?
http://axoete.blogspot.com/2011/04/tweetup-for-refuge-house-on-estelles.html

The twtvite is burning up Twitter today! See the original tweet from our ETE president, Amy (Zeta Upsilon):
@amy_z: Tally tweeps, pls join us Thur 4/21 for #ChocoTallyTweetup for @RefugeHouse at @LeRocBistroHD: http://twtvite.com/chocotally

Translated into "English" it means, "Friends in Tallahassee who use Twitter, please join us Thursday, April 21st at LeRoc Bistro inside Hotel Duval as we celebrate Refuge House with lunch and special chocolates crafted by the LeRoc Bistro chef"

Our sisters also blogged about the event:

http://365thruamyseyes.blogspot.com/2011/04/chocolate-tweetup-for-refuge-house.html

http://www.simplysoutherngirl.com/2011/04/tweetup-for-refuge-house-on-estelles.html

I am sad I cannot attend (@jennsueb), but many of our sisters will be there:

@Danielle_Gulasa @bmds99 @MeaganDougherty @amy_z @axo_fsu

You KNOW we will post lots of pictures of the event!

Tweetup for Refuge House (on Estelle's Birthday!)

A combination of our ETE President Amy (Zeta Upsilon, Case), Past Collegiate President Danielle (Beta Eta, FSU) and our friend Paula yielded a fantastic idea combining Twitter and Refuge House.

Remember when we blogged about our service project of collecting sheets and towels for Refuge House, "Help Us Help Refuge House"? We are inviting the Tallahassee Twitter community to help us at a lunch tweetup and sheets/towel drive at LeRoc Bistro (inside Hotel Duval) on Thursday, April 21st. The chef at LeRoc is VERY excited and will concoct a special chocolate treat for the menu that day!

Additionally, Amy will be provide a copy of Elin Stebbins Waldal's book Tornado Warning: A Memoir of Teen Dating Violence and Its Effect On A Woman's Life as a door prize!

We hope our Alpha Chi Omega sisters and Twitter friends will meet us there for fun, friendship and philanthropy.

Want to know more about tweetups? Check out Amy's blog. Hope to see you there!

P.S. Sisters in the Bond - it's Estelle Leonard's birthday on April 21st! Can you think of a better birthday present for her than enjoying lunch with your sisters AND being altruistic?: The true spirit of sisterhood.

I Spy ... Sisters in the Community

If you follow dance performances in Tallahassee, then you know the name Nancy Smith Fichter.

Nancy is a Beta Eta alumna and a famous FSU alumnus (they named a theatre after her!) We were thrilled to see her honored in the Tallahassee Democrat. Enjoy.

PAR TEE & PAR TEA - Beta Eta Philanthropy for DVA

PHILANTHROPY PAR TEE Style! The Beta Eta Chapter is practicing philanthropy and alturism with a week-long list of events to highlight Domestic Violence Awareness (DVA) & Alpha Chi Omega (AXO) culminating in their annual fundraiser! Contact StaciaDudleyATgmailDOTcom for more information.

ETE is proud of them!

Tues 4/5 Walk a Mile in Her Shoes @ 5 p.m. ending at a spaghetti dinner at the house. This will be a walk around campus and the sorority houses to gain attention and awareness for DVA.

Wed 4/6 Wear DVA shirts

Thurs 4/7 DVA Vigil @ the Beta Eta house after dinner (Wear purple)

Fri 4/8 -Golfers invited to lunch

Sat 4/9 PAR TEE Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. (Caddy's should arrive at 9:00 a.m. to support your golfers!) - Shot Gun start at 11:00 a.m.
PAR TEA for moms at Killearn course with trunk shows and lunch

Sun 4/10 Thank You Brunch at Beta Eta

Sponsors
Epsilon Tau Epsilon of Alpha Chi Omega
Xi Omega Xi of Alpha Chi Omega
GAP
Target Copy
ABC
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts
Tijuana Flats
Sweat Therapy Fitness
The Red Elephant Pizza & Grill
Hotel Duval
A to Z Data Solutions
ProTec Systems International

I Spy... Sisters in the Community

It was fun to see another sister in the Tallahassee Democrat! Amanda is the Education & Exhibitions Director at COCA - Council on Culture & Arts for Tallahassee/Leon County. She supports Alpha Chi Omega's mission of celebrating the fine arts everyday!

Twenty-five years of Sisterhood

Please plan to join us when we celebrate Beta Eta's 82nd anniversary (founded at Florida State University for Women on March, 29, 1929).

and

Sisters from chapters around the country who have enjoyed twenty-five years as Alpha Chi Omegas.

We look forward to the 25-Year Pin Ceremony and sharing Wisdom, Devotion, Achievement with many Real. Strong. Women.

March 29, 5:30 at the Beta Eta house. Please RSVP to jennysuebutlerATgmailDOTcom

I Spy... Sisters in the Community

Nice to see Terri (Epsilon Zeta, Auburn) pictured in the paper for her work accomplishments!

American Honda has recognized Mike Grindberg, Terri Rutledge and Thomas "Obie" Oberman of Proctor Honda as winners of the Council of Sales Leadership Award. Honda's Council of Sales Leadership Award acknowledges the achievements of the top-performing sales professionals in the nation, both in volume and customer service. Grindberg was named a Gold Master for the 11th year, Rutledge earned Silver for the ninth year

Read more: Milestones | tallahassee.com | Tallahassee Democrat http://www.tallahassee.com/article/20110220/NEWS01/102200321/Milestones#ixzz1GURuQqfB

Help Us Help Refuge House

As we mentioned in post recapping the 2011 Alumnae Panhellenic Scholarship Luncheon and Auction, we are proud to be the winners of the 2011 Philanthropic Grant! In our grant application, we answered this question:
How would your alumnae chapter use the grant on a local level to further your philanthropic efforts?

We plan to expand our work with Refuge House to include additional contributions that will ease the lives of the mothers and children sheltered there. Refuge House is an amazing resource in our community, and unfortunately, it continues to be under-funded. After speaking with Diane Jefferson at Refuge House about their immediate needs, we would like to request the funds to purchase new pillows, twin sheets and towel sets. They give everyone new bed/bath sets when they arrive (and the women/families take the items with them when they leave) so they always have a need for these items. 

How can I help?

- Donate a twin set, a pillow or a towel set for Refuge House by bringing them to any of our AXO alumnae events this spring:

 * AXO FSU Founders' Day Dinner Tuesday March 29

 * Hall of Commitment for FSU AXO Seniors Sunday April 10

 * Salad Days Monday May 2

- Or bring your items to an Alumnae Panhellenic event.

- Bargain hunt for us. If you see a great price on any of the items, either locally or online, please comment below or email us!

The donation drive will culminate on May 2nd. We've invited Diane from Refuge House to join us at Salad Days that evening, where we plan to present her with all of our contributions, and take an amazing photo showcasing your generosity!

Thank you for your continued support of Alpha Chi Omega and Refuge House!

Give and Get is Here!

Give and Get is Here!: "Enjoy 30% off from March 17-20 at Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy plus we'll make a 5% donation to a non-profit."

I chose Habitat for Humanity! Since I have been involved with the organization since High school, and have traveled to some amazing places with Gap Inc. Community Corp. to build houses for those in need. My most recent big build with Gap was in Guatemala..

Recapping the Peace Corps 50th Anniversary Celebration

On March 1st, we shared our Alpha Chi Omega link to the local Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and their plans to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Peace Corps. (See the blog post here). We thought it would be fun to follow up with a recap one of the events that week.

Friday, March 4, the Returned Peace Corps Volunteers hosted an Opening Reception for their "Art from Our Countries" exhibit, which is on display in the Reflections Art Gallery in the FSU Center for Global Engagement from March 1st through 15th. 

A view of part of the gallery.

Jennifer and fellow Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, Tiona, both served in Botswana!

Alpha Chi Omega sisters supporting our Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, Jennifer (Theta Lambda, Clemson): Amy (Zeta Upsilon, Case Western Reserve Univ), left, and Tara (Beta Eta, Florida State), right. Great work Jennifer!!

 The piece on the wall in the background is one of Jennifer's. It is a "hand-loomed, wool tapestry of a typical village day in Oodi, Botswana. Oodi village is home to Oodi Weavers. The village resides in the Southeast part of Botswana, a bit outside the capital city of Gaborone. My family also owns to gorgeous table runners from this cooperative."

We would be remiss if we didn't thank Amanda (Alpha Upsilon, Alabama) who works with COCA (Council on Culture and Arts for Tallahassee/Leon County). Amanda was instrumental in helping the Jenn's group find the perfect gallery space for their exhibit and event! Thank you, Amanda, and thank you to everyone who stopped by or attended any of the Peace Corps 50th Anniversary events!

Supporting Sisters Update

This year the Junior League collected 1,377 dresses for Operation Prom Dress — the most the group has ever collected, Preston said. The dresses were donated by League members and others throughout the community.

Read more: Update: Junior League helps spruce up prom for some local girls | tallahassee.com | Tallahassee Democrat http://www.tallahassee.com/article/20110305/BREAKINGNEWS/110303009/Update-Junior-League-helps-spruce-up-prom-for-some-local-girls#ixzz1GUX30ftY


Junior League of Tallahassee raises $55K from 'Whale of a Sale': The Junior League of Tallahassee raised approximately $55,000 from this past weekend's "Whale of a Sale," according to a JLT news release. The money raised from the event, held at the former Goody's location at the Tallahassee Mall, will help support the organization's mission of training volunteers and implementing community projects that improve the lives of children and families by helping children succeed in school.

Read more: Local briefs | tallahassee.com | Tallahassee Democrat http://www.tallahassee.com/article/20110301/NEWS01/103010327/Local-briefs#ixzz1GUZKdkTh


"The Mardi Gras Ball Variety Extravaganza," which drew about 350 people last Saturday to the Tallahassee Antique Car Museum. It was a fundraiser for the Stubbs' Educational Foundation.

Read more: Byron Dobson: Couple gives back by sharing gift of music | tallahassee.com | Tallahassee Democrat http://www.tallahassee.com/article/20110304/OPINION05/103040311/Byron-Dobson-Couple-gives-back-by-sharing-gift-of-music#ixzz1GUlRaIEC

Recapping the Alumnae Panhellenic Luncheon

We had a lovely time on Saturday, February 5th at the Alumnae Panhellenic Scholarship Luncheon and Auction. This year it was held at the Delta Zeta house, and what a treat it was to see their beautiful home.

The Delta Zeta formal living room.

Excited to bid on silent auction items. All proceeds go toward the collegiate scholarships ...

Fun items donated by Alpha Chi Omegas (clockwise): famous sugar cookies by Amy (Zeta Upsilon, Case) - a hit each year; "Girls Night In" basket from Jenn (Theta Lambda, Clemson); $100 Live Auction Pound Cake baked by Barbara (Gamma Iota, UF); "Easter Will Spring" Basket (ETE Alumnae)

We loved the pink and green decor and the lovely spring tulips on each table.

Congratulations Alpha Chi Omega collegian Whitney P (Beta Eta, FSU) on her scholarship award! 

She is pictured here with Alumnae Panhellenic Vice President, Rachel Sutz-Pienta.

Our Alpha Chi Omega group:

Standing (left to right): Linda (Gamma Epsilon, Kansas State), Margaret (Beta Sigma, Georgia), Kate (Beta Eta, FSU), Katherine (Beta Eta, FSU), Jaclyn (Beta Eta, FSU), Whitney (Beta Eta, FSU), Marie (Beta Eta's House Director), Joy (Gamma Iota, Florida); Seated: Amy (Zeta Upsilon, Case) and Barbara (Gamma Iota, Florida)

Our big surprise of the day was being awarded the Philanthropic Grant! 

We will use the funds to benefit Refuge House, our local domestic violence shelter. Look for a post coming soon on how you can help!

Thank you to everyone at Alumnae Panhellenic of Tallahassee for a wonderful event and to the collegians and alumnae of Delta Zeta for being charming hostesses!