Pictured in Brookville’s Golden Gate Park are Delta Theta Tau sorority sisters gathered around one of the benches donated in memory of a beloved sister. Seated on the bench are: Vicki Mills (left) and Ruthie Cunningham. In the second row (right to left) are: Debbie Miller, Tina Castle, Jane Edwards, Jackie Johntson, Carla Porter, Junior Cruea, Char Garrett and Lynn Denlinger. In the rear row are: Jeanie Claggett, Dee Hoops, Tanya Swink, Barbara Kauffman, Cindy Myers, Tanya Stover, Shari Fowler and Sandy Thomas.
Submitted photo
BROOKVILLE — Jeanie Claggett of Brookville is an avid promoter of the local chapter of the sorority she belongs to and she is enthusiastic about promoting activities that enable the sorority members to do as much as they can for their community.
“Our sorority is Delta Theta Tau, Inc., and our chapter is named Kappa Xi,” Claggett said. “The sorority was founded in 1903 by five girls who had just graduated from high school in Muncie, Ind.”
The sorority is a national group of women of all ages dedicated to promoting fellowship, friendship and community activism.
“We are dedicated to promoting these same principles and ideals that have been our foundation for over 110 years,” Claggett said.
The local chapter was started in June of 1956, and is still going strong, with 20 active members. Claggett said she has been in the sorority since 1976 and her mother was in it for more than 50 years.
“Locally, we hold fundraisers several times a year and our money raised is turned back into the community through the parks, schools, Boy Scouts, Historical Society and Handivan, to name a few. We also help sponsor other events happening in Brookville,” Claggett said.
Anyone who might be thinking of joining this group should know that is a nonsectarian, nonacademic, women’s organization. Members must be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate.
Claggett is looking to reach out to the Brookville community.
“We want them to know who we are and how we make a difference in our community. We also are looking for prospective members,” she said.
Local fundraising events include twice-yearly Purse Bingo Parties in March and October, held at the Brookville VFW.
“In April, we put on a musical production, ‘Delta Showboat,’ held at Brookville High School auditorium, and around November, we hold a raffle and in December, we have another production, the Delta Christmas Showboat,” Claggett said.
Over the years, Delta Theta Tau has donated money to Brookville Schools, Golden Gate Park, Shepherd’s Hand, Brookville FISH, Brookville Handivan, Brookville Historical Society, Brookville Boy Scouts, police and fire departments, scholarships and many more organizations.
The last donation was the purchase of a new water fountain with a pet fountain included for Golden Gate Park.
“We also donate benches or flowering trees to Golden Gate Park, in memory of a deceased member of our chapter,” Claggett said. “Three previous major projects that were donated were the Gazebo by the pond at the park in memory of my father, who was considered a ‘Delta Paw’ sorority helper; an open shelter by the Castle Playground in memory of my sister and a Yamaha piano/keyboard to the Choir Department at Brookville High School in memory of my mother.”
“I would estimate over the last 25 years, Kappa Xi Chapter has given more than $250,000 back into the community in various philanthropy projects,” Claggett said.
This year, Claggett is busy as vice president of the local chapter.
“In 2010, I had the honor of presiding over the National Convention in St. Louis, Ill., as National President — a very special and exciting time for me,” she said.
It seems these sorority members are busy all the time. Every July, a National Convention is held in a different location. This year, the 114th National Convention will be in Ft. Worth, Texas.
“Delta Theta Tau Sorority, Inc., is a wonderful non-profit philanthropy organization built on its members wanting to volunteer many, many hours to raise money to give back to their communities to make them a much better place,” Claggett said.
