On Sunday, April 10, Κappa Kappa Gamma hosted its first annual Kappa Karnival. This was a philanthropic event designed to establish a new culture of mental health awareness within Clemson’s chapter of the sorority.
The event was put on in conjunction with Alpha Gamma Rho and Pi Kappa Alpha fraternities. These organizations will be donating the proceeds raised at the event to Dream Team Prosthetics LLC and First Responders Children’s Foundation.
Dream Team Prosthetics LLC is an Oklahoma-based organization that develops prosthetic limb technology. Alpha Gamma Rho began their partnership with the company over a year ago when Clemson graduate and fraternity brother Joey McCorkle lost both legs in a farming accident. Dream Team Prosthetics developed innovative above-the-knee amputation treatments that the company says improves outcomes relative to traditional physical therapy methods.
Those in attendance were treated to a variety of activities such as cornhole, a dunk tank, bottle toss and bobbing for apples. Local country artist Hunter Holland performed at the event as well.
The Jed Foundation is a nonprofit organization focused on suicide prevention and mental health awareness among young adults, and was the primary beneficiary of the Kappa Karnival. Kappa Kappa Gamma has been working with the organization since last fall as part of a nationwide effort on the part of the sorority to shift the focus of their philanthropic efforts to mental health.
The event raised roughly $22,000, surpassing expected levels thanks in large part to online donations.
“I hope that was the first of many KappaKarnivals,” said Isabelle Weston, a sophomore language and international business major, who serves as philanthropy chair for the sorority. Weston estimated that the event drew around 120 guests, but she hopes to more than double that in the years to come.
Several local businesses helped facilitate the event through donations, gifts, and food. These sponsors include All-In Nutrition, Bixby on College, Clemson Buff City Soap, Clemson Lofts, Dockside Student Living, Evolve Kitchen and Table, Hibo, Paddle and Board Clemson, The Pound Cake Man, Signature Hartwell Village, Solé on the Green and The Whimsy Cookie Company.
