At dinner on Sunday, June 28, 2009, guests were not only treated to a special dinner, but also an incredible surprise – the unveiling of the of the updated Pi Beta Phi Foundation brand! A special video highlighting the Foundation’s impact was played, followed by an inspiring address by incoming Foundation President Peggy Wilson Lawrence, Tennessee Gamma.

 

Following dinner, alumnae were treated to a dessert reception while collegians enjoyed an ice cream party complete with a Nerf archery contest.

 

To view the Foundation brand video, please click here.

 

To learn more about the Foundation’s rebrand initiative, including an explanation of the new logo, please click here.

 

On Saturday, June 27, 2009, the Foundation held a breakfast for individual, chapter and club donors who gave to the Campaign for the Pi Beta Phi Foundation. 

 

While guests enjoyed a delicious breakfast, President Lisa Gamel Scott, Colorado Alpha, thanked contributors and spoke about how important the Campaign has been in positioning the Foundation for a strong, vibrant future. Campaign Chairperson Chris Mills Verity, Texas Gamma, followed by acknowledging the diligence and dedication of the Campaign cabinet members and the incredible generosity of donors. In total, the Campaign raised $6.2 million for the Foundation.

 

The Foundation’s Convention Giving Booth was the place where Pi Phi cowgirls lassoed their Tribute Hearts to recognize and honor sisters. Through the generosity of first- and long-time donors, the Foundation raised over $29,000 for the Friendship Fund.

 

To learn more about the Foundation’s Friendship Fund, please click here.

 

Continuing our commitment to supporting philanthropic works, the Foundation recognized two worthwhile nonprofit organizations on Monday, June 29, 2009. T.A.K.E. Foundation™ (The Ali Kemp Foundation) received a $10,000 check from the Foundation for presenting life-saving self-defense seminars to Convention attendees. Founded in honor of Kansas Beta Ali Kemp, who died tragically at age 19, T.A.K.E.™ is committed to empowering women of all ages.

 

To learn more about T.A.K.E. Foundation™, please click here.

 

The Foundation also recognized the work of First Book®, a national nonprofit organization whose mission to provide low-income children with their first books. Founder and CEO Kyle Zimmer accepted a check for $125,000 from the Foundation in support of the Fraternity’s corporate sponsorship of First Book®. 

 

To learn more about Pi Beta Phi's commitment to literacy through its sponsorship of First Book®, please click here.

 

This year’s Foundation mascot Clara the Cowgirl was the talk of Convention! From her fringed cowgirl hat to her silver blue chaps, Clara helped corral in the donations with her hilarious antics. With a clang of her cowbells and a cheer of “Ring Ching!”, Clara had the crowd eagerly anticipating each drawing. 

 

On Monday afternoon, Clara offered to auction off her one-of-a-kind costume. As the bidding steadily increased past $500, the crowd became frenzied. Soon the bidding skyrocketed to $1,000 from South Carolina Alpha Ruth Henderson McIntyre! Not to be outdone, Ohio Zeta Kim O’Brien stood up and announced she’d donate $2,000 for the outfit. With a cheer from the crowd, Clara called “Sold!” and closed the auction by including her spurs in the package.

 

Pi Beta Phi Foundation would like to thank Foundation Trustee Kathy Nevill, Tennessee Gamma, for her amazing energy and incredible performance as Clara the Cowgirl.