The University’s Eta Iota chapter of the Kappa Delta sorority held its annual Shamrock Shootout fundraiser for The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty To Children (NYSPCC), marking the first time it has occurred since 2019 after the COVID-19 pandemic halted it. 

Kappa Delta members said they were overwhelmed with pride and joy, and the event was a complete success. After years of not being able to hold the Shamrock Shootout due to the COVID-19 pandemic, members were apprehensive. Yet, this fundraiser exceeded all expectations. 

The Shamrock fundraiser took place in the University gymnasium on the evening of March 4. Students donated and created basketball teams in order to compete for The NYSPCC.

Every Kappa Delta chapter participates in the Shamrock fundraiser, but each school has the opportunity to make it its own. Kappa Delta’s president, Julianna D’Amico, stated, “Our chapter, Eta Iota, started our annual Shamrock, the year of our founding, 2007! But every chapter of Kappa Delta hosts a Shamrock event each year.”

Kappa Delta is dedicated to fundraising for children. Many of its members hold the causes near and dear to their hearts, and they hope to inspire others to contribute to the cause. The University’s Eta Iota chapter of Kappa Delta’s philanthropies are the Girl Scouts of America, Prevent Child Abuse America (PCAA), the Columbus Center for Family Safety and Healing and the Confidence Coalition. In recent years, the chapter has worked with local organizations such as The NYSPCC and will continue to do so, according to D’Amico. Working with local companies gives college students the opportunity to create change within their communities. 

The Eta Iota chapter of Kappa Delta is dedicated to fundraising for children on local and national levels. They strive to make a difference within their community. The NYSPCC was chosen to help children and families within the city. 

“The NYSPCC is the local child abuse prevention agency in our area. In support of The PCAA and their efforts,” said Marissa Kennedy, a University senior and member of Kappa Delta, “The NYSPCC works directly with children and families affected near Pace University. Thus, we find that supporting not only the larger organization of PCAA, [but also] supporting The NYSPCC makes a larger change in our community.”

According to its website, The NYSPCC was established on April 29, 1875, making it the first child protection agency in the United States and the world. Prior to the late 19th century, child abuse was lawfully tolerated, for there were no laws against the maltreatment of children. The NYSPCC reported child maltreatment to the authorities immediately after its establishment. The New York Police Department established a telegraph between them and The NYSPCC. The NYSPCC quickly realized that new laws were necessary and advocated for their existence. 

The NYSPCC focuses on advocacy work and provides children and families with clinical care, including the Crisis Debriefing & Bereavement Program, Trauma Recover Program and Safe Touches. 

According to University Junior and Kappa Delta member Brianna Reeves, “Our local philanthropy, The NYSPCC, organizes safe touches programs for children in school, as well as therapy programs for children and families to create safe at-home environments. We are so proud to fundraise for such a meaningful organization.”

With few exceptions, the entire body of modern child protective legislation is derived from laws established by The NYSPCC. Some of these rights include requiring parents/guardians to provide their children with proper medical care, supervision, food, and clothing, mandating child work laws and, more recently, child performance laws.

Several members of Kappa Delta, as well as other organizations, deemed the fundraiser successful. Members of the other National Pan-Hellenic Council, Greek Life organizations, Sigma Delta Tau, Zeta Beta Tau, Kappa Sigma and Phi Mu showed their support by creating teams and actively participating. 

During the game, Kappa Delta held a raffle sponsored by several companies including Orangetheory, Tarte Cosmetics, Variety Coffee Roasters, Glowbar, IPIC Theaters and CycleBar. At the end of the game, the lucky winners were announced. All proceeds went directly to The NYSPCC.

Pizza and drinks were offered during the game. Smartwater sponsored Cucumber Lime-flavored waters with green lids to match the Saint Patrick’s Day theme. The gym was decorated with shamrock-inspired decor, and everyone was invited to dress in green. 

The gym was full of pride and spirit. Jack Fusco, a University senior and the former president of the fraternity Zeta Beta Tau stated, “I came out to support my friends from Greek life [and] had an absolute blast. It was a great event for a great cause.”

Kappa Delta is still collecting donations for The NYSPCC.