Collective Effort

Noblesville Tri Kappa Serves a Variety of Philanthropic Needs

Writer / Julie Yates
Photography Provided

Tri KappaEvery year Noblesville Tri Kappa, an Indiana women’s philanthropic community-service sorority, quietly invests thousands of dollars in the Noblesville community. The organization donates scholarships and money through its planned programs, and also as needs arise. President Jennifer Warner has two goals for the coming year. She hopes to raise awareness about the organization and increase the diversity of membership.

Tri Kappa was founded as a secret society, with membership by invitation only, in 1901 at the Girls’ Classical School in Indianapolis. To ensure Tri Kappa would continue after their school days, each member started a chapter in their hometown. The Noblesville chapter was founded in 1915, and today there are 144 active chapters throughout the state with more than 10,000 members.

“Membership is by invitation or legacy, but it’s open to everyone and anyone,” Warner says. “If someone wants to join, all they have to do is reach out to us. We invite everyone. We are diverse in age and financial levels, but would like to increase in ethnic inclusiveness. We provide assistance for anyone who has trouble paying the membership fee.”

Each year Noblesville Tri Kappa supports local graduating seniors with almost $11,000 in various scholarships, incorporating factors such as academics, community volunteerism and financial need. Examples are the Tri Kappa Future Educator Scholarship and the Tri Kappa Vocational Trade Scholarship. There is also a Women’s Furthering Education Scholarship for an individual aged 22 or older who has been out of school for at least two years.

Tri Kappa

The organization supports the community in several other ways. During the 2020-2021 school year, $4,000 was given to Noblesville Schools nurses to purchase clothes, hygiene supplies and other items for students in need. Last December almost $15,000 was given to The Red Stocking Fund, which enables the Noblesville trustees to buy presents for local families.

“We also provide aid on an as-needed basis,” Warner says. “When the Noblesville West Middle School shooting happened, we brought bagels and doughnuts into the school and bus barn while counseling sessions were going on. Our Noblesville chapter supports culture with annual local art donations, contributions to the Hoosier Salon art show, and sponsors the Noblesville Parks Department Summer Concert Series, among many other things.”

All monies raised through fundraising activities go directly to the organization’s philanthropic programs. Throughout the pandemic, Tri Kappa has been able to maintain its level of giving and was even able to add a scholarship. Their main fundraising methods are through selling handmade cheeseballs and Flower Power bulbs in the fall, handmade filled chocolate Easter eggs in March, and homemade goods at the Noblesville Farmers Market, as well as an online year-round nut sale.

Tri Kappa

Due to decreased sales this year, cheeseballs will be offered well into December. Plain cheeseballs are $8, and cheeseballs with nuts are $9. They are delivered right to the door of the purchaser.

“My Tri Kappa sisters and I truly appreciate the support of our community,” Warner says. “Without all the cheeseballs, nuts, flower bulbs and Easter eggs being enjoyed by our families, friends and neighbors in Noblesville, we couldn’t do what we do – help those in need, especially women and children, within our city.”

Donations can be sent to Noblesville Tri Kappa at P.O. Box 162, Noblesville, IN 46061, or via PayPal at noblesvillebetaepsilon@trikappa.org.

Order cheeseballs for delivery by calling Mary Burns at 317-752-6559.

Visit the year-round nut sale at TriKappaNoblesville.terrilynn.com.

 

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