Philanthropy

The American Heritage Dictionary defines philanthropy as 1. The effort or inclination to increase the well-being of humankind, as by charitable aid or donations. 2. Love of humankind in general. 3. Something, such as an activity or institution, intended to promote human welfare. You’ll notice the definition says nothing about wealth or power, and yet few of us would say, I want to be a philanthropist when I grow up. We assume that philanthropy is solely the domain of the rich and famous. But the fact is Martin Luther King, Jr. had it right when he said “Everyone can be great because everyone can serve.” Ohio Wesleyan has been “growing” bumper crops of philanthropists since its founding in 1842. In fact, service is considered one of the core university values...education for leadership and service.

In addition to the numerous choices for substantive service-learning programs, internships, seminars and Colloquium events, it’s hard to graduate without participating in some form of service club, social justice organization, small living unit or event during your four years. In fact, between Derby Days, the Crop Walk, Jell-O Tug-of-War, the Hunger Banquet, Pasta for Life, Bowl for Kids’ Sake, Soups for Shelter, TerpsiCorps, Chi Phi Haunted House, Anchor Splash, and the hundreds of other events that benefit every cause you can think of, you have to work pretty hard to stay uninvolved at OWU. (excerpted from November, 2007 issue of "Opportunity Knocks")

CROP WALK – Held each year on the first Sunday of October, the Delaware Crop Walk has long been a campus/community event to raise money and awareness for Church World Service. This non-denominational aid organization has been in existence for over 60 years providing global disaster relief, refugee relocation and sustained self-help programs.

BOWL FOR KIDS SAKE – An annual fund-raiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters, the All OWU BFKS event takes place in early spring at the Delaware Lanes. Teams from Greek organizations, service clubs, small living units, faculty and staff compete for prizes and trophies while supporting a very worthy cause.

GREEK PHILANTHROPY – Every Fraternity and Sorority on campus has annual events to support the work of their respective national and/or local philanthropic organizations or causes. Countless student service hours go into raising thousands of dollars every year for charities such as: Canine Companions, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, St. Jude's Hospital, Children's Cancer Research, Delaware Speech & Hearing, Court Appointed Special Advocates, and many more. In addition to philanthropy, many Greek organizations provide service to the community through on-going, long-term relationships with specific agencies, as well as through one-time projects to meet short-term needs. To learn more about Greek Life at Ohio Wesleyan, contact the Assistant Director of Student Involvement for Greek Life, (740) 368-3170.

SPONSOR A KENYAN CHILD - You can support the work of the Loitokitok Children Orphanage Home through OWU Alum Sarah Yerian '06 who is currently living and working in Kenya.

GIFTS FROM GHANA - This is a new project being sponsored by Rhett Rybarczyk, OWU '09.  After spending the summer in Ghana, Rhett became acutely aware of the need for access to health care. Although it only costs $15 per family, per year, the fee is still prohibitive for many. Back on campus, Rhett devised a simple plan to create a "circle of giving". Students, faculty and staff have the opportunity to make a donation by purchasing unique hand-crafted Ghanaian gift items. The sale of these items generates jobs and income so that the families can support themselves, including the fee for health care. You can learn more, by e-mailing Rhett at rrrybar2@owu.edu .

GHANA STUDENT EDUCATION FUND - (GSEF) - Founded by International students, Stan Osei-Bonsu and Nick Oteng, (OWU '09), the Ghana Student Education Fund was established to provide scholarships for exceptional children who would otherwise not be able to afford an education in Ghana. Typically, the scholarships pay for necessities such as school uniforms and books for the children. The long-term goals for the GSEF are to sponsor more children; to create an infrastructure so that the scholarships will be renewable each year; and to eventually build a GSEF School in Ghana. Potential donors and other interested parties should contact Stan or Nick at sboseibo@owu.edu , nnoteng@owu.edu , or Advisor, Sally Leber at ssleber@owu.edu .

Spring 2008 Calender of Philanthropy Events

February 16th, 9 pm-2 am - Valentine's Dance to Benefit the Ghana Student Education Fund and The Ghana Cultural Immersion Team - Benes Rooms A & B

February 24th (morning) - ICE BOWL 2008 - A Disc Golf Event to Benefit the Delaware County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity - Delaware State Park

February 24th (afternoon) - OWU Swim for Diabetes - Pfeiffer Natatorium

February 28th (dinner) - Habitat for Humanity "Soups for Shelter" - St. Mary's School

March 1st (early afternoon) - Special Olympics 2008 Polar Plunge - Alum Creek

March 24th - Student Initiative for International Development (SIID) Hunger Strike

March 28th-29th - "OWU Relay for Life" - Gordon Field House

March 30th (1-4 pm) - Phi Delta Theta 3 On 3 Basketball Tournament - At Gordon Field House To Benefit ALS

April 1st - Circle K / Red Cross Blood Drive - HWCC Benes Rooms

April 4th (7-9pm) - Delta Gamma "Anchor Splash" - Pfeiffer Natatorium 

April 4th (9pm-Midnight) - OWU Bowl For Kids' Sake - Delaware Lanes