Tri Sigma Foundation

The Beta Delta Chapter at Shepherd University impacted their local hospital and its members with a 2016 Robbie Page Memorial (RPM) grant.

“Beta Delta chose to continue to work with Winchester Medical Center (WMC) because of its proximity to Woodstock, Virginia and our chapter wanting to spread the word about the great work of the Foundation in our local community,” said Samantha Knopp, 2016 Chapter President. “The items requested through our RPM local grant were needed and will be used by infants and children during their stay in the Pediatric Unit.”

As the chapter’s second RPM grant, Beta Delta continues to build a relationship with WMC and its staff. The Tri Sigma Foundation awarded $1280 to fund the purchase of an air hokey table, two Fisher Price Baby Bouncers, two BTRFLLY hospital quality Bouncer Seat covers, four Calming Seas Projection Soothers, and two Fisher Price Grow with Me mobiles.

(L-R) Morgan Wilkins, Laken Pope, Erika Miller, Alexis Smith, Myranda Wiles,
Kara Waldeck, Kelsey Chaney, Madison Steeley, Tiana Davis

“The RPM Grant definitely had a positive impact on our chapter,” said Kelsey Chaney, 2017 Vice President of Operations. “A majority of our sisters in our chapter are nursing majors and education majors. One of the main reasons they are passionate about Sigma is because of Robbie Page Memorial.”

WMC staff invited Beta Delta members to a reception to celebrate their generosity and see the toys they helped fund. During their visit of the Pediatric Unit, Sigmas spoke to WMC administrative leaders, nurses and other staff about their chapter.

“Being able to provide our local hospital with a grant to buy a hockey table and much more touched our hearts, but being able to physically visit the hospital and meet the nurses and other staff members is what really took it to a whole other level,” said Chaney. “Our sisters were able to talk to nurses and staff about Tri Sigma, our values, our philanthropy, our majors and why we care so much about helping children.”

While the grant funds directly provided items of need, members also benefitted through the connections made with their local hospital.

“I believe visiting the hospital helped girls realize how much RPM actually does,” said Chaney. “It helped me realize that no matter how small the philanthropy fundraiser or grant it is going to always help someone, and it will have a huge impact on their life.”

Every year the Tri Sigma Foundation awards local grants to therapeutic play programs nominated by alumnae and collegiate chapters. Grants range from $100 to $2,500. The 2017-2018 RPM grant application process is available online. Submit applications no later than April 30, 2017.