Tri Kappa Week marks efforts of local philanthropic sorority

Greencastle Mayor Sue Murray (seated, center) signs a proclamation designating Feb. 16-22 as Tri Kappa Week in the city as members of Beta Psi Chapter look on at City Hall. President Rhonda Brotherton (front, left) and Vice President Catherine Stockwell are joined by (back, from left) Kelly Stevenson, Sue McCune, Treasurer Natalie Pritchard, Member-at-large Karen Sutherlin and Beth Flint.

Beta Psi Chapter of Tri Kappa is joining 145 other active chapters and 114 associate chapters around Indiana in celebrating Tri Kappa Week Feb. 16-22.

The Beta Psi Chapter was chartered in 1921, and the members of the local chapter work along side nearly 9,000 other members to raise funds for local, state, and national charities.

The local chapter is active in many fundraising activities in Putnam County.

Beta Psi chapter holds the annual Breakfast with Santa each year on the first Saturday in December. Guests enjoy a breakfast prepared by the chapter, crafts, entertainment and of course, a visit with Santa.

The local chapter also holds a nut sale and geranium sale each year along with the annual Tri Kappa bingo.

Tri Kappa provides many scholarships and awards locally. Choral, art, drama and journalism awards are presented to local high school students every year. There is also a countywide art contest for students of all ages.

The sorority also works to help fund local organizations like Care Net Pregnancy Center, Family Support Services, Putnam County Public Library, Special Olympics, Putnam County Playhouse, Senior Center, the Summer Enrichment Program and scholarships to local preschools.

On a broader level, Beta Psi supports Riley Hospital, State Mental Health and State Fine Arts.

But along with the monetary donation, Beta Psi members also donate something more valuable than money -- their time.

Officers of the local chapter are President Rhonda Brotherton, Vice President Catherine Stockwell, Secretary Jessica Reed, Treasurer Natalie Pritchard, Corresponding Secretary Kristi Nauman and Member-at-large Karen Sutherlin.

Other members are Georgeanne Caine, Amy Cassida, Jill Dombrowski, Kathryn Dory state president, Michael Fisher, Beth Flint, Dessa Frank, Amy Hale, Carrie Hamilton, Kari King, Sue McCune, Carolyn McKee, Kelly McMahon, Joanna Muncie, Jennifer Miller, Rachel Smith, Sophia Spencer, Kelli Stevens, Marni Stevens, Kelly Stevenson, Jodi Sutherlin, Heidi Taylor, Sara Tuggle, Diane Ummel and Tammy York.

College members are Grace Aker, Sarah Dory, Whitney Brotherton, Melanie Bittles, Kaitlyn Murtagh, Ellen Gobert, Mackenzie Wilson, Haylie Romer, Katie Farris, Tess Handy and Olivia Humphreys.

Kappa Kappa Kappa was founded in Indiana in 1901 in Indianapolis. In fact, the state of Indiana is the only one in which you will find the Tri Kappa sorority. With approximately 9,000 members statewide, Tri Kappa chapters donate more than $1.5 million each year to local, community, and statewide causes.

Because of Tri Kappa's work around the state, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence has proclaimed Feb. 16-22 Tri Kappa Week all over the state.