Pi Beta Phi Promotes Literacy in DuPage
WHEATON - March 2014 - Women of the Glen Ellyn - Wheaton Alumnae Club of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity spent the month of March promoting literacy throughout DuPage county. The events honored Pi Beta Phi's annual Fraternity Day of Service, a nationwide celebration of the Fraternity's philanthropic cause.
Club members were joined by the Cat in the Hat and women from the Pi Beta Phi chapter of Illinois State University to celebrate the March 2nd birthday of Dr. Seuss at Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Oak Brook. Children and families were invited to play games and participate in other activities promoting Dr. Seuss' books and love of reading. Proceeds from the event will be used to promote other local literacy initiatives.
Dr. Seuss' the Cat in the Hat also joined members at the Metropolitan Family Service Head Start program in Carol Stream where the children were read a story, treated to crafts and games, and each child was given a book of their own to take home.
Lastly, several women of Pi Beta Phi were on hand to deliver 500 books to the Humanitarian Service Project in Carol Stream. Humanitarian Service Project was one of 100 nationwide organizations chosen to receive the free books donated by FirstBook and Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women. These books will be distributed throughout DuPage and Kane counties to children in need.
"Our Fraternity of more than 250,000 women is united in the cause to promote the importance of reading," said Pi Beta Phi President Paula Shepherd. "According to the National Assessment of Adult Literacy, one in four children grows up functionally illiterate, and we believe that is one too many. Pi Phis are thrilled to promote literacy locally because we believe reading transforms individuals, creates leaders and is the foundation of all that we can achieve in life."
About Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women: Founded in 1867 at Monmouth College in Illinois, Pi Beta Phi has installed nearly 200 collegiate chapters and more than 300 alumnae organizations worldwide. Pi Beta Phi promotes friendship, develops women of intellect and integrity, cultivates leadership potential and enriches the lives of members and their communities. The Fraternity believes in the power of reading and through its philanthropy, Read > Lead > Achieve, promotes a lifelong love of reading that can unlock true potential. For more information, visit www.pibetaphi.org or follow Pi Phi on Twitter and Facebook.