There’s
nothing like hanging a new calendar to put you in a reflective
state of mind. What do you want 2006 to be about? Is your
resolution one of the more common ones: to get in shape,
get organized, or get out of debt? Perhaps Moab’s Alpha
Rho sorority can inspire you to make a resolution that’s
not about “getting” anything but about giving
back.
The Alpha Rho sisters have been giving back to Moab since 1955.
You probably already know them from their annual pecan sales
or the big yard sales at the Hawks home that they sponsor every
spring and fall. What you might not have known is that they
give all those profits to charity groups, and even more of
their time to volunteer for our community.
A chapter group of Epsilon Sigma Alpha, Alpha Rho shares the
international organization’s goal: “to bring good
people together to accomplish good things—locally,
nationally, and internationally.” ESA evolved from a
women’s book club in Jacksonville, Texas back in 1929.
It came into being because a group of women felt the desire
to learn, grow, and serve together - and they did something
about it. With over 1000 chapters today, the group raises more
than $10 million each year and provides more than 650,000 hours
of “hands-on” service, collectively.
Our local chapter, Alpha Rho donates regularly to the Grand
County Food Bank, Search and Rescue, Seek Haven, and, on a
national level, to Easter Seals and St. Jude Children’s
Research Hospital. Even more inspiring are the hours their
members give to those in need, whether it be as volunteers
for Grand County Hospice, or running Bingo every week for Allen
Memorial Hospital’s extended care patients. Since the
beginning, showing compassion to children in need has been
a priority for Alpha Rho, with donations to Sundwall preschool,
and volunteers for eye screenings and book fairs at Red Rock
Elementary.
Ruth Christensen, the current President of Alpha Rho, puts
it simply, “We’re part of Moab.” She says
the group is united by their desire to volunteer and their
friendship. It also helps, she says, that the group has always
agreed that family comes first. There are no requirements to
commit a certain number of hours. This year’s Philanthropic
Chair, Carolyn Lema, says that by being a larger group, people
share the load and there is no guilt---everyone does what they
can. Incentives are given by the state and international councils’ rewards,
but the real reward, according to Carolyn, is that “wonderful
feeling of knowing you’re helping people in need.”
At one time, there were three ESA chapters here in Moab, but
Alpha Rho is the only one remaining. Bobbie Long was one of
the original members of the group, and is still a bedrock leader
in the sorority. She is especially proud of the nursing scholarship
Alpha Rho sponsors each spring, in memory of Betty Dravage,
a member who passed away several years ago. “Some students
keep in touch with us, and let us know how they are proceeding.
Becky Bolden, now a nurse in Grand Junction, really involved
us in her progress through school---and it was a wonderful
feeling to know we contributed to it.”
Applications for the nursing scholarship are available through
the counselor’s office at Grand County High School.
The group brings together women from all age groups, regardless
of race, color, or creed. They meet twice a month in a member’s
home, once for a business meeting and again for a social/educational
gathering. Guest speakers often join them; most recently Connie
Haycock shared the goals of the Children’s Justice Center,
and Matthew Minkevitch talked about The Road Home in Salt Lake
City, which aims to help families-in-need find homes and jobs.
Service, said Bobbi Long, is “more of a way of life than
one thing you do.” While the Alpha Rho chapter is already
near their membership limit, it only takes 8-10 people to begin
another ESA chapter. Inalyn Meader is the current Vice President
and Rush Chair to contact with questions. Whether as a member
of a group or as an individual, find a way to contribute to
your community this year. Let 2006 be about giving, and you’ll
reap what Ralph Waldo Emerson called “one of the most
beautiful compensations of life: that no man can sincerely
try to help another without helping himself.”
|
Alpha Rho awards check
to Seekhaven |
Donating to the Sundwall
Center |
Come help out with Bingo! |
Donating to Search & Rescue |
Alpha Rho Yard Sale |
Volunteering at the Red Rock
Book Fair
Weekly Bingo at Allen
Memorial Extended Care |
|