Student organizations raise money during Valentine’s Week

By The Argo on February 20, 2023

Written for The Argo by Esmeralda Rivera

Valentine’s Week can also count as Kindness Week. For some within the Stockton community, donating money to worthy causes can be a very kind act.

The KSO table sells choco pies. Photo courtesy of Esmeralda Rivera.

Throughout the week, many student organizations set up tables to collect funds for their members. Stockton student organizations and Greek organizations came out to support their causes by selling candy, flowers, and other Valentine’s-themed items. It was a time for the student body to appreciate their loved ones and celebrate their various relationships.

In the Campus Center Coffeehouse, the PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America) Stockton chapter and the Victimology Organization had tables raising money for their budgets, giving them opportunities to hold more events for their members and for Stockton. The Victimology table had a bake sale, featuring many different sweets. The money would then go to the stoles for the graduating members of the club.

Other clubs like the Ski Club, the Korean Student Organization (KSO), the Honors Program, and the Equestrian Club also came out to raise funds. The tables ranged from bake sales to baskets and merch. In D Wing, the Phi Delta Theta fraternity was also tabling, advertising the Phi Delta Theta Sweetheart pageant they were hosting the next day, an event that is highlighted here.

The Phi Delta Theta table advertises the PDT Sweetheart pageant for its philanthropy. Photo courtesy of Esmeralda Rivera.

Tri Sigma was another Greek organization that appeared for Valentine’s Week. They sold candy and bouquets of flowers for students to give to their loved ones, funding the Tri Sigma foundation, which offers scholarships to undergraduate and graduate members and supports the Sigma Serves Children and March of Dimes causes.

Kailen Mutko, the Tri Sigma Fundraising Chair, is a Criminal Justice major concentrating in Forensics. She stated, “For a 2-day fundraiser, totaling only 10 hours of tabling, I think it turned out great! There were plenty of people scrambling for last-second gift ideas, or even treating themselves to something nice. I think both the convenience of not having to run to the store for something double the price and the personalization aspect ultimately made this fundraiser successful and unique.” She then expressed her gratitude to everyone who stopped by to support the cause.

The sisters of Tri Sigma at their fundraising table. Photo courtesy of Esmeralda Rivera.

The Sigma Delta Tau sorority also came out on February 15^th and 16^th at the Campus Center Food Court. They did not sell any goods, instead offering heart-shaped sticky notes for students to write encouraging and empowering messages to the women of Stockton, aligning with their philanthropy. The sisters would then post the notes in different places in the Center for students to see. To the sisters of Sigma Delta Tau, a small note can go a long way for anyone who is having a bad day or feeling down.

The romantic theme is not over yet! Zeta Tau Alpha will be hosting a “Love Is Blind” themed event on February 22^nd at 8 p.m. in the Campus Center Theatre.