The sisters of Sigma Kappa sorority hosted their fifth annual 5K run on Friday Sept. 23. The proceeds from the run supported their Ultra Violet Campaign—a campaign that divides and donates money to the many philanthropies Sigma Kappa supports, including research in gerontology and Alzheimer’s disease, the Maine Sea Coast Mission, Sister to Sister Disaster Relief and Inherit the Earth. “We started this run a few years ago,” communication major senior Anna Kelly said. “We thought it was a great way to get students in Geneseo involved, and a great way to raise money for our philanthropies and get the name out there.”
As a national sorority, Sigma Kappa’s philanthropies are a vital aspect of the organization. The research in gerontology and Alzheimer’s disease provides service and companionship to the elderly in local communities, as well as funding research to find a cure. The Maine Sea Coast Mission—a philanthropy that Sigma Kappa has supported since 1918—is charged with building healthier communities, stronger families and brighter futures in coastal and island communities in Maine. Disaster Relief assists alumnae and current sisters of Sigma Kappa who are in a state of financial distress due to a natural disaster. Lastly, Inherit the Earth is a service project that helps improve the environment.
To participate in the run, students had the option to sign up the week before the race for $10 or to sign up the day of the race for $15. A Go Fund Me page allowed non-runners the opportunity to contribute by donating money, as well.
The 5K began at the gazebo near the tennis courts and snaked through campus, finishing at the track with sisters of Sigma Kappa stationed in strategic locations to guide and cheer on runners. While it was a cloudy and chilly day, it made for good running weather.
All kinds of runners—from competitive to casual—participated in the 5K. In addition, some parents who came for Parent’s Weekend joined in running the 5K to support Sigma Kappa. The top finishers were awarded with Visa and Starbucks gift cards.
“We have some really competitive runners and then some slower ones,” Kelly said. “Some sisters just like to run for fun, so it’s a really good time.”
Last year, Sigma Kappa raised $667 in donations to their 5K run. Biology major senior Olivia Holodnik is the Vice President of Philanthropic Services for Sigma Kappa and coordinator of this year’s SK5K. Her goal this year was to raise over $667.
“We’ve done this five years in a row,” Holodnik said. “This year we’ve made the most money. I haven’t totaled it up yet, but it’s over $1,000.”
Regardless of the poor weather, the sisters of Sigma Kappa were able to successfully exceed their goal and actively contribute to their treasured charities.