The Gamma Phi Beta Foundation will begin its 50th Anniversary celebration at Convention 2008 with fun and festivities. We’ve come a long way! The Foundation began with a loan of $3,000 from the Sorority and our assets are approaching $10 million today. But how did we come this far?

How much do you know about the Foundation and its history? As we contemplate our plans for the next 50 years, we thought you might like to know how the Foundation has progressed during its first 50 years.

We will post new questions on our Web site regularly (with answers at the bottom of the page). How many can you answer? The first four questions are:

• At which Convention was the Foundation established?
• What are the three main programs that the Foundation supports?
• Undergraduates facing unforeseen financial crises that might force their withdrawal from college can apply for a ________________?
• Companies often support employee's Foundation gifts with ________________   ________________?

Although the Foundation has grown, the needs of our collegiate members are growing even faster. In commemoration of our 50th Anniversary, we are challenging Gamma Phi Betas to help us get 50% of our members to give to the Foundation. We can reach this goal with your help. Together we make a difference!

To make a donation for our 50th Anniversary, go to the Foundation home page, click on the link and choose "50th Anniversary" from the drop down list. Or, if you prefer, you can call Ryan Severts at the Foundation office (303-799-1874, ext. 342) to make a credit card donation or mail your check to: Gamma Phi Beta Foundation, 12737 E. Euclid Drive, Centennial, CO 80111.

The Gamma Phi Beta Foundation appreciates your generous support!

We want to thank the hundreds of Gamma Phi Betas who have already ordered our exclusive Gamma Phi Beta foldout travel makeup bag and/or flip flops. But for a limited time, you can still order yours. Don’t miss out! Join your sisters and click here to launch our virtual Crescent Cruise and order yours today! Show your Gamma Phi Beta pride and get your bag or flip flops – or order both for a minimum gift of $50. You’ll want them both for Convention or all of those summer excursions!

Join the Gamma Phi Beta Foundation as we launch our 50th Anniversary celebration at Convention 2008! The fun begins in our Foundation Room on the 4th Floor, Rosewood Room. You will want to be one of the first to view the items for our Silent Auction and Opportunity Drawing and to pick up your recognition ribbons. The Foundation Room is also a gathering place to meet your sisters – find your longtime friends and make new ones!

Funds raised by the Foundation during Convention help to provide for the Sorority’s leadership development programs and support of the Sorority’s international philanthropy – camping for girls, and scholarships for members.

Bring a smile to many hearts at Convention or far away by sending Crescent Grams! Gamma Phi Beta Convention is a wonderful opportunity to connect with your sisters! Let a special sister know how much you enjoy her friendship by sending her a Crescent Gram embellished with an embroidered pink heart. They are available in the Foundation Room for $1.00 or in packs of 12 for $10. Buy some extras to take home for chapter recognition or just to stay in touch throughout the year!

Crescent Grams are available in advance from the Foundation Office. Please mail your check to Gamma Phi Beta Foundation, 12737 E. Euclid Dr., Centennial, CO 80111, or to order by credit card, please email Sherry Ochoa-Rounkles at sochoa@gammaphibeta.org or call her at (303) 799-1874, ext. 338.

All Convention attendees are invited to the Foundation Luncheon in the Pavillion Ballroom for food and festivities! You won’t want to miss the surprises we have in store as we kick off our 50th Anniversary celebration. Highlighting this event will be a performance by world-renowned violinist, Elizabeth Pitcairn (Southern California) playing her legendary Stradivarius, “the red violin.” In addition, Lynn Towsley White (Colorado) will be honored with our Philanthropist Award for her lifelong dedication to many charities. Join your sisters on Thursday for this traditional event with a celebratory twist!

The popular Silent Auction and Opportunity Drawing are back and better than ever! You might win a stay in a vacation home or a New York City apartment, jewelry, sports tickets, gift certificates, or many other exciting prizes! Visit the Foundation Room to purchase Opportunity Drawing tickets and to submit your bids for Silent Auction items. Winners will be posted at the Foundation Room on Saturday, June 28th.

The Foundation has planned invitation only events for our generous Foundation donors:

• Sorority Volunteer Leaders Dinner on Tuesday evening followed by a dessert reception in the Foundation Room (funded by the Foundation Trustees).
• Friends of the Foundation Breakfast on Thursday at 7:00 AM
• Tau Epsilon Pi Members Reception Thursday evening
• 1874 Society/Major Donor Luncheon at the historic Cincinnati Banker’s Club

(Answers: 1. 1958 Convention; 2. leadership, camping and financial aid; 3. grant-in-aid; 4. matching gifts).