Gamma Alpha Omega kicked off fundraising efforts Saturday during their third annual spring philanthropy event, Kick It for Kids.
The multicultural sorority raised money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America during the kickball tournament, where six teams competed for a $500 prize. San Diego, Calif., junior Ele Moroz, who serves as the chapter’s president and new member educator, said she enjoyed publicizing the event and reaching out to sponsors.
“I really enjoy organizing it, actually,” Moroz said. “I definitely enjoy watching it all come together.”
Each participant paid $10 to participate, and sponsors donated food and gift cards for the event.
“Nationally, our philanthropy is mentoring youth, so we try to find organizations that are kind of geared toward that,” Moroz said. “There’s not really a Big Brothers Big Sisters close to here, but sometimes we go to Dallas to help them out there.”
In addition to raising money for Big Brothers Big Sisters, the sorority also visits middle and high schools to mentor and tutor youth.
“We do a lot a service,” Moroz said. “We have our own Adopt-a-Highway.”
Houston junior Fatima Chavaz, the chapter’s service chair, said the tournament draws different participants every year.
“My favorite part is honestly seeing the competition, seeing how people get out there,” Chavaz said. “I didn’t think it would be so competitive.”
Chavaz said the sorority’s emphasis on service has added to her experience.
“Our philanthropy is mentoring youth, so that’s something that we’re really big on,” Chavaz said. “Giving service is one of our purposes here on campus, too.”
Gamma Alpha Omega’s chapter began at Baylor in 2002, making it the first Latina sorority on campus, according to their website. Chavaz said she needed a home away from home, and the sorority has brought her together with other women like her.
“[Joining Gamma Alpha Omega] was the best decision I’ve ever made,” Chavaz said. “I’ve been able to grow a lot since I joined the sorority.”
Moroz said the sorority is not exclusive to Latinas and, in addition to service activities, also provides social events and opportunities to connect with other campus organizations.
“It’s a fun group,” Moroz said. “It’s nice because it’s small, so we know each other really well.”
Dallas junior Amy Mpala, another member of Gamma Alpha Omega, is originally from Zimbabwe.
“One of the things I really like about our mission is fostering a sisterhood,” Mpala said. “It’s just nice to have a family here at Baylor. It’s just a group of people you can trust and a place you can call home.”
