In a society fueled by philanthropy, the women of Wichita State’s Delta Gamma were rewarded for all of their hard work. After spending several hours volunteering and being a part of Heather’s Camp, the women took second place in a Volunteer of the Year award on NationalStudentsDay.com. 

Heather’s Camp creates an environment where children with visual impairments can participate in activities such as archery, horseback riding and crafts. The WSU Delta Gamma chapter founded the camp.  

Director of Sisterhood Amy Golay submitted her story online. She called and asked friends, family and national chapter members to vote every day in hopes that Delta Gamma would be recognized for their efforts in helping children with visual impairments. On Nov. 7, they were awarded a $2,000 check, which they donated to Heather’s Camp. The money will be used to transport the youth to and from camp next summer.  

“Anytime we can give back to something we care so much about, that’s something I take personal pride in as well,” President Laura Schlapp said. 

“These kids are some of the most amazing people you’ll ever meet,” Golay said in the winning story she posted online. “They love and accept everyone no matter what impairments they may or may not have.”

Along with a blog post, Golay uploaded the Delta Gamma recruitment video, including pictures of previous Heather’s Camp experiences. 

“To say this camp is life-changing doesn’t even begin to describe the experience,” she said. “These kids remind you how wonderful life is and how much it means to just have a friend there for you.”

The goal of Delta Gamma is to raise money for Service for Sight, a national organization that helps build schools for and assists children with visual impairments. Locally, the sorority works with Envision Vision Rehabilitation Kid’s Club, and half of all their fundraising each year goes to support these children. The chapter members and alumnus volunteer their time as camp counselors.  

“Everything we do at this camp is adapted for children with visual impairments,” Schlapp said. “It’s a way for them to experience a summer camp, and it’s adapted so they can actually participate.” 

Most of the youth who attend the camp are a part of the Envision Kids Club, and interact with the sorority all year. 

“[Some of] the money we raise goes back to Envision,” Schlapp said. “We’ve known these kids for a long time and we get to hang out with them throughout the year.”

Schlapp said the chapter members’ passion for philanthropy is obvious by their service through Heather’s Camp and Envision. She said it is life changing. 

“It’s not like I’m doing work,” she said. “I don’t feel like ‘Oh gosh, I have to go volunteer.’ It’s something I want to do.”

“Our philanthropy is so special because we make such a huge difference in these children’s lives all year round,” Golay said. “It isn’t just a one time a year event we do and we are done, we are in contact with these children weekly.”

“It’s something I really, really cherish,” Schlapp said. “It’s something that’s very rewarding and it’s not just rewarding for me. It’s rewarding for the people that you help, too.”