The Kappa Delta sorority at the University of South Carolina is a supporter of Children’s Trust for the prevention of child abuse, neglect and injury. Sorority members planted a pinwheel farm on April 7 during Child Abuse Prevention Month. Neil White, who tells the stories of Children’s Trust, captured the day’s event.
As 1,100 blue and silver pinwheels spun on a windy day, Kaitlyn Massey marveled at how they brightened grassy Davis Field between the Russell House and Thomas Cooper Library.
“They look amazing,” she said. “You can see them reflecting from so far away. It’s perfect. It’s a beautiful day.”
Megan Bridgers, a sophomore from Beaufort, plants a pinwheel at Davis Field as part of Kappa Delta’s efforts to put a spotlight on Child Abuse Prevention Month.
The pinwheel serves as the national symbol for happy, healthy childhoods during Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, when pinwheel gardens are planted by individuals, organizations, and businesses across the state and nation.
“I know a ton of people have taken pictures and (image messaging app) Snapchats,” Massey said. “They have been asking our sorority what we’re doing so it has raised great awareness.”
Massey, a sophomore from Charlotte who serves as Kappa Delta’s vice president of community service, guides the organization’s activities like this one during Child Abuse Prevention Month. Since 1984, Kappa Delta collegiate and alumnae chapters across the country have held Shamrock Week events to support the prevention of child abuse.
Children’s Trust is home to Prevent Child Abuse South Carolina (PCA SC), the state chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America. Children’s Trust coordinated a partnership of 19 community organizations across the state this year to stand together as a strong, unified voice advocating for prevention.
Michael Shirley, the community prevention coordinator at Children’s Trust, credited Kappa Delta for its invaluable service in planting this large pinwheel farm, which reached thousands of USC students who walked by it that day and learned of the pinwheel’s positive message.
“Child Abuse Prevention Month is all about raising awareness for prevention, but it also lends philanthropic organizations the opportunity to raise money for their favorite charities serving children and families,” Shirley said.
Lizzie Smith, Bryce Morgan, Kaitlyn Massey, Erin Fatheree, Megan Bridgers, and Lauren Sattele (L-R) are part of Kappa Delta sorority, which has a longstanding commitment to preventing child abuse.
“The Beta Zeta chapter of Kappa Delta at USC is a prime example of a community service organization coming together to support these important causes. Children’s Trust is always very thankful when our community partners think well of us enough to spend their time and effort raising funds to support our mission.”
Lizzie Smith, a junior from Irmo, noted the sorority also spread information about pinwheels to fellow USC students through social media sites. She especially liked Kappa Delta when she first went through the rush process because of its commitment to the prevention of child abuse.
“When I joined the organization, I became very passionate about the cause, too,” Smith said. “This is such a huge deal for us because we get to be involved with Children’s Trust to see what we can do right here in South Carolina. That’s really important.”
During the day, as students streamed by Davis Field on the way to and from the university union and their classes, they couldn’t help but notice the pinwheels. When the sun hit the colorful vanes just right, they sparkled.
The pinwheel farm between the Russell House and Thomas Cooper Library was a celebration of the happy, healthy childhoods that every child deserves.
Adrienne Bellinger, the chief development officer for Children’s Trust, appreciates what Kappa Delta does to assist in raising money, especially during its seven days of activities in Shamrock Week, which ran April 4-10. The partnership began in 2008, and since that time, Kappa Delta at USC has donated $218,676 to Children’s Trust, an average of more than $27,000 annually.
“The positive energy, creativity and commitment that the Kappa Deltas at USC bring to our philanthropy efforts is amazing,” Bellinger said. “The leadership these young women exhibit reminds me what a truly aspirational and inspirational generation they’re a part of. Clearly, they see the critical need to invest in a big way in preventing child abuse, neglect and injury, and we are very grateful.”
Massey is optimistic that Kappa Delta will hit its fundraising goals for the week and throughout the month of April. The need to protect children is what drives her and her sorority sisters.
“This has become such a big part of my life. It takes up more than 50 percent of my day because I devote so much time to it,” Massey said. “It really makes a difference in other people’s lives, and that’s what motivates me to keep doing it.”
