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Where your Shamrock Dollars Go: Real Stories of Impact

Each year, Kappa Delta chapters across the country host Shamrock events — from fun runs and golf tournaments to pancake breakfasts, volleyball tournaments and creative campus fundraisers. These events are full of energy, sisterhood and community spirit, but their impact reaches far beyond the day of the event itself.

Through Shamrock fundraising, members of Kappa Delta support both Prevent Child Abuse America and local child abuse prevention agencies working directly within their communities.

Across the country, chapters find creative ways to engage their campuses, strengthen community partnerships and raise funds that support families and children. In “Shamrock season,” here’s a look at how four chapters are making an impact.

Zeta Kappa-Ball State 

At Ball State University, Kappa Delta’s Zeta Kappa Chapter took a creative approach to Shamrock with a campus-wide Mac & Cheese Cook-Off that brought together students, local leaders and community members for a fun and meaningful cause. 

The event welcomed a mix of participants, from student groups to local vendors, all competing for the title of best mac and cheese. To build excitement, the chapter invited well-known community figures to serve as judges, including the mayor of Muncie, the university president and Miss Ball State. With local bands and performers adding to the energy, the event quickly turned into a true celebration of community. 

Through their efforts, the chapter raised nearly $6,000 in support of Prevent Child Abuse America and their local beneficiary, Delaware County Prevent Child Abuse. 

One of the most meaningful aspects of their work is supporting the implementation of Safe Haven Baby Boxes throughout the county — an initiative that provides safe, anonymous options for parents in crisis. Having a tangible goal like this helped members clearly see how their fundraising directly supports prevention efforts in their community. 

Strong partnerships also played a key role in the event’s success. Members of the local PCA board worked closely with the chapter, helping recruit community involvement, secure judges and contribute prizes. 

For Zeta Kappa, Shamrock is about more than fundraising — it’s about creating opportunities to bring people together while making a lasting impact. 

“Every event we plan is about more than raising money,” said Anne Marie Kappus, Zeta Kappa’s CAB Events & Programming. “It’s about making sure we’re contributing to a future where all children grow up in safe and supportive environments.” 

Eta Omega-Kennesaw State & Greater Atlanta Day Alumnae Chapter 

For more than a decade, the Greater Atlanta Day Alumnae Chapter and Eta Omega-Kennesaw State have partnered to host Shamrock events that bring together collegians, alumnae and the broader community in support of child abuse prevention. 

Their signature joint Shamrock 5K, held at Allatoona Creek Park, has become a beloved tradition, drawing more than 400 runners and families each year. Sisters line the course in Shamrock green, cheering on participants and creating an energetic, family-friendly atmosphere that truly reflects the heart of the event. 

Leading up to race day, both chapters work together to build excitement across campus and throughout the community. From local sponsorships and restaurant percentage nights to on-campus favorites like bake sales, volleyball tournaments and the crowd-favorite “Pie a Sister,” every effort helps bring people together for a shared purpose. 

In addition to the 5K, the alumnae chapter hosts an annual Shamrock Fun & Games Day, welcoming nearly 100 members and guests for a morning centered on connection and impact. The event features a silent auction, shopping experiences and a fashion show benefiting their local partner, Wellspring Living. 

One of the most meaningful moments of the day comes from hearing directly from individuals impacted by Wellspring Living’s work. A recent graduate of the program shared her powerful story, leaving a lasting impression and reminding everyone in the room why this work matters. 

Together, these events raised more than $22,000 in 2024 and nearly $9,400 in 2025. Since 2014, the two chapters have collectively raised over $415,000 through their Shamrock efforts — a testament to their long-standing collaboration, commitment and impact. 

Beyond fundraising, their work continues year-round through volunteer service and a strong, ongoing partnership with Wellspring Living. 

Theta Upsilon-Loyola/Chicago 

Theta Upsilon-Loyola/Chicago has transformed its Shamrock efforts into a full week of campus-wide engagement, combining philanthropy, sisterhood and community impact. 

Shamrock Week featured a variety of events designed to reach different audiences across campus. The chapter’s signature event, the Shamrock Shootout, brought together teams from more than eight sororities and fraternities for a high-energy 3-on-3 basketball tournament. The KDs also hosted a Trivia Night, offering a more casual way for students to get involved. 

Throughout the week, members maintained a strong presence on campus through tabling, where they sold Girl Scout Cookies and Shamrock-themed treats while sharing more about their mission. To keep members engaged internally, the chapter introduced a points system that encouraged participation, friendly competition and a shared sense of accountability toward their fundraising goals. 

These combined efforts led to an incredible result: the chapter raised over $10,000 in support of Prevent Child Abuse America and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago — nearly doubling their total from the previous year. 

One of the most meaningful moments of the week came when a representative from PCA America attended the Shamrock Shootout and spoke directly with members about the impact of their fundraising. Hearing firsthand how their efforts support children and families made the mission feel even more real. 

For Theta Upsilon, Shamrock Week is about more than fundraising — it’s about connection, consistency and showing up for others in meaningful ways. 

“Our impact goes far beyond one week,” Kate Winsauer, Theta Upsilon’s VP-Events & Programming shared. “It’s about showing up consistently for others and helping create the kind of supportive environments every child deserves.” 

Sigma Epsilon-Texas/Austin 

At The University of Texas at Austin, Sigma Epsilon Chapter brings its community together each year for a high-energy Shamrock Fun Run — the highlight of a full week dedicated to philanthropy and engagement. 

Hosted at the Texas State Capitol, the event draws participants from across campus and the Austin community. This year, more than 900 runners participated, helping the chapter raise $57,915 for Prevent Child Abuse America and the Center for Child Protection. 

Shamrock Week includes a profit share event, poster making, Shamrock Sundaes, pickleball and a Pilates class, each offering unique opportunities for engagement. 

Intentional outreach and collaboration were key to their success. By visiting other sororities and creating team fundraising pages, the chapter increased participation by 430% and strengthened campus-wide involvement. 

On race day, the event extended beyond the run with a celebratory atmosphere featuring a live DJ, local activations and a community-focused experience that coincided with Dad’s Weekend. 

“Through Shamrock, we are able to raise critical funds while also bringing people together around something meaningful,” said Caitlin Bloomfield, Sigma Epsilon’s VP-Events & Programming. “It strengthens our sisterhood and reinforces our role in building a community where all children are supported and able to thrive.” 


While each Shamrock event looks different, they all share the same goal: supporting children and families through prevention. 

Funds raised through Shamrock help advance prevention programs, support community-based organizations and strengthen the resources families rely on every day. 

Through creativity, collaboration and a shared commitment to service, Kappa Delta chapters continue to turn campus traditions into meaningful change — proving that when communities come together, prevention is possible.