Tri Sigma Foundation

Generous, making a difference with their community, empowering others — are we describing a Sigma sister you know? Each Convention the Tri Sigma Foundation recognizes two Tri Sigma women that show exceptional generosity within their community. These women, the Philanthropist of the Triennium and the Emerging Philanthropist of the Triennium, will be recognized at the 2019 Convention during the Laurels banquet on June 29.

All nominations must be submitted by than March 31, 2019.

Philanthropist of the Triennium:

This award honors a Tri Sigma for exceptional generosity and civic responsibility demonstrated by significant financial contributions to charitable organizations within their community, including the Tri Sigma Foundation.

Emerging Philanthropist of the Triennium: 

his award recognizes a Tri Sigma who is 40 years of age or younger for exceptional generosity and civic responsibility demonstrated through financial contributions and volunteerism to charitable organizations within their community, including Tri Sigma.

2016 Foundation Award Recipients

2016 Philanthropist of the Triennium

Dixie Shelton, Alpha Alpha and Houston Alumnae Chapter, was awarded for her generosity, dedication to scholarship, and commitment to her community. Her devotion to her community includes the creation of two scholarships at a local university, board service and providing a monthly stipend for a pastors and widows pension, supporting Salvation Army contributions and donations, and Meals for Homeless Mission – just to name a few. In addition to being a member of the Tri Sigma Foundation Pillars of Sigma, Walton Club and Watkins Society, Dixie and her husband endowed a scholarship with the Foundation several years ago.

2016 Emerging Philanthropist of the Triennium

Michelle Tantillo, Epsilon Omicron and Chicago Northwest Suburban Alumnae Chapter, was awarded for her servant leadership and passion for causes greater than herself. Her generosity includes blood drives, food drives, gift collection at the holidays and fundraisers for multiple foundations. Also, she spends her “free time” in a variety of walks and events where she donates in memory of family members. Since the loss of her dear friend, she has become active in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, participating in and fundraising for overnight walks and advocacy in her community. Additionally, as a Batten Society member, she is a generous donor to the Tri Sigma Foundation.

As part of the Foundation’s 25^th anniversary celebration, we are excited to announce our new STEADFAST GIVING CLUB, which recognizes Foundation donors who give monthly reoccurring gifts.

Maybe you have an annual goal for your Foundation giving. Monthly gifts are a great way to make your philanthropic goals realistic and easily attainable. Will you join your fellow sisters who have made the Foundation a priority each month?

See the full list of Steadfast Giving Club members.

To join today, visit trisigma.org/donate.

Read about a few of our inaugural Steadfast Giving Club members:

JeanMarie Komyathy, Gamma Kappa

What actions do you take to be a generous person?

I am generous by giving in many ways. I support various organizations through regular payroll deductions as part of the Combined Federal Campaign.  I give monthly to the Tri Sigma Foundation. I volunteer my time to many organizations, particularly those that have helped me achieve my goals.  And, I give my time, experience and wisdom as a mentor and friend.

Why do you give to the Foundation?

I give to the Tri Sigma Foundation because Tri Sigma has given so much to me.  Tri Sigma gives me the opportunity to meet women from all over the country and all walks of life. TriSigma has given me the opportunity to be a leader and share my talents. And, TriSigma has given me the opportunity to give back.  I learned as a new member that to receive much, you must give much. And so, I do.

Joey Jackson, Theta Delta

Why do you give to the Foundation?

I give to the Foundation because the organization has done so much for me. I have been able to benefit from its endeavors, and I want to help continue carrying on its legacy.

Why are you passionate about the work of the Foundation?

As a collegiate I was so excited to discover the Foundation’s involvement with polio research because my father suffered from the disease. As an alumna, I continue to be inspired by the Foundation’s goals to empower women and continue to donate to medical research now through its partnership with the March of Dimes.

Michelle Tantillo, Epsilon Omicron

Why do you give to the Foundation?

I value what they do for our members and for the world. I enjoy that [the Foundation] has resources used to support our members that helps to “grow” members and empower them to transform the world.

How have you played a part in the Foundation’s past?

I have been a donor since my initiation.  I have after college been a regular donor as a part of the previous GOLD program and have continued to increase my monthly donations as I can.  I also give donations for Founders Day and other campaigns.