Delta Zeta sorority here at West Chester University held its first annual “Dunk a DZ” on Tuesday, Sept. 18, from 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. outside of Ehinger Gym. It was $5 for six balls or $1 per ball. “We came out to have fun and are also raising money for a good cause,” commented Brynn Kennedy third year student and sister of DZ.
All proceeds went directly toward the speech and hearing impaired through Sound Beginnings, Delta Zeta’s National Philanthropy.
Sound Beginnings raises awareness about the importance in having newborns scanned for hearing and an early intervention when a loss of hearing is discovered before six months of age.
The Delta Zeta National Philanthropy is supported by both collegiate and alumnae members. In 2006, at Delta Zeta’s National Convention, The Painted Turtle and The Starkey Hearing Foundation were announced as being partnerships to their philanthropy.
The Starkey Hearing Foundation, established in 1973 by Bill Austin, prides itself on promoting hearing and health awareness. As a foundation, it provides hearing aids and batteries as well as other necessary hearing care products. The foundation also supports research and education in hearing.Over the decades, the Starkey Hearing Foundation, its headquarters located in Minneapolis, Minn, has gone from helping poverty stricken Americans to an international institution.
Austin has sent teams to over 150 nations, and since 2000, has fit over 80,000 people with over 160,000 hearing aids.
The Painted Turtles charge is to extend a year-round authentic camp experience to children with life-threatening illnesses. As a camp, medical needs, care and education are provided, allowing children to look past their illnesses and reach for their futures.
The Painted Turtle is free of charge for all campers and family members.
Kendall Hake of Delta Zeta is planning another event to benefit the hearing impaired, “Hula for Hearing.” It will be outside Ehinger Gym in October. The event will be a 24-hour continuous hula by the sisters of Delta Zeta.
Fellow Delta Zetas, Angela Sustello and Christina Castro announced their excitement about homecoming and the parade. Castro remarked, “Keep an eye out for our future events!”
Jessica Todd-Marrone is a third year student majoring in International Relations with a minor in Journalism. She can be reached at JT608859@wcupa.edu