What we are trying to do
Our goal is to help educate the campus community on the issue of domestic violence, aid in the fight to end it, and raise funds for nonprofit organizations in the city.
Last year, the sisters of Alpha Chi Omega completed 5,684 service hours and raised more than $45,019 through both chapter-affiliated and independent service projects and initiatives. Our chapter earned the Inter-Greek Council (IGC) Philanthropy & Community Service Award, having raised the most philanthropic dollars of any Greek organization at Columbia. Nationwide, Alpha Chi Omega's philanthropy is Domestic Violence Awareness and Support (DVAS). AXΩ’s work to end domestic violence aims to help end unhealthy relationships and build healthy ones instead.
Who do we work with?
In addition to the various organizations on campus or a part of the Columbia community, we work with organizations in New York City such as the Joyful Heart foundation, Womankind, and Sanctuary for Families. These organizations help sexual assault survivors receive therapy and support, shelter victims of domestic violence, and raise awareness of the prevalence of domestic violence across the country.
RUNWAY WARRIORS
Runway Warriors, our annual landmark philanthropy event, is a large-scale fashion show and raffle to raise awareness and funds for Alpha Chi Omega's national philanthropy, Domestic Violence Awareness and Support. Runway is one of the largest Greek philanthropy events every year, bringing in over 500 New Yorkers in attendance.
Runway Warriors 2019, held in the middle of October, which is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, partnered with Womankind and the Joyful Heart Foundation, two organizations that provide services to help and support survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. We raised over $8,000 for these organizations in addition to raffling items and services worth a total of $25,000. We are grateful for all of those who supported us for this event, and we can't wait until next year! Thank you especially to our sponsors, models, and designers.
celebrating rachel
In June of 2010, we suffered a tragic loss when our sister Rachel passed away while studying abroad in New Zealand. Rachel was compassionate, hard working, adventurous, and devoted to her friends and family. In order to keep her spirit alive, our chapter has established an endowment scholarship fund in her name and memory.
The Rachel B. Swett Endowment Fund (“The Rachel Fund”) is a nonprofit program under the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation that grants merit-based educational assistance to both undergraduates and alumnae of Alpha Chi Omega in financial need. Rachel studied abroad twice, and was passionate about traveling the world. We believe that exposure to other traditions and cultures helps our sisters to become well-rounded citizens of our global community. And through this fund, we celebrate Rachel.
Through fundraising events like “A Calling Drive For Rachel,” direct sponsorship, and generous donations, our dedicated sisterhood has raised $25,000, and will begin to award scholarships in the near future.
To make a tax deductible donation now, click here. In "Step Two: Designate Your Gift," make sure to click "Other" and type in "Rachel B. Swett Endowment Fund" to send your donation to the right place! We thank you in advance for your generosity.