For the past 16 years, Beta Theta, a chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha, hosts a Mardi Gras-themed fundraiser with all proceeds distributed to local high school scholarships and charitable organizations which provide service to the south Lake Community
Save the Date! The next annual Mardi Gras will be held on March 14, 2020, at the Clermont Arts and Recreation Center.
Why support Beta Theta? Here is a little history
Beta Theta will celebrate its 41st anniversary in April 2020.
Toni Bell, Eleanor Lofgren, and Terry Moherek were Founders and remain active members of Beta Theta. Michelle Delaney remains its only original chartered pledge.
Recently, the sisters of Beta Theta mourned the loss of Janet Hawkins, an active member of Beta Theta for 24 years. Her positive can-do attitude played a vital role in the heart of Beta Theta’s existence. She will be truly missed by her Beta Theta sister.
Janet is not alone: Over the 42 years, the sorority has lost 8 sisters: Nancy Hettinger, Dayle Matthews, Virginia Roane, Neta Hendricks, Ann Dupee, Bonnie McGuire, Betty Meadows and our beautiful Janet. “These amazing women will, no doubt, be looking down upon us as we prepare and host this year’s Mardi Gras”, said member Michelle Delaney. “Janet will say, It’s simply marvelous and her good friend Ann Dupee will be selling tickets!. Bless them”.
Beta Theta has 21 members and each will be working until March 14 to make its 16thannual Mardi Gras the best and most successful fun-raiser to date.
Women of Beta Theta , Cathy Bateham, Toni Bell-Rescoe, Michelle Delaney, Karen Geladies, Lisa Graham, Lucy Hage, Barb Henry, Donna Kidder, Joan Kyle, Eleanor Lofgren, Diann Lovette, Sandra Martin, Suzanne McClure, Terry Moherek, Pat Moore, Corinne Odenheimer, Janice Senninger, Rosetta Shobe, Sandie Stacy, Jackie Ulch and Ann Whitlock will be selling tickets, seeking donations, sponsorship and support from the community.
Men of Beta Theta, Charlie Bateham, Bill Delaney, Tony Geladies, Bill Graham, Steve Hage, Roger Henry, Mel Kyle, Dave Lofgren, Larry McClure, Tom Moore, Steve Odenheimer, Dave Peck, Larry Rescoe, Tom Senninger, Bob Shobe, Irv Stacy and honorary members and avid supporters Joe Holt and Skip McGuire will also be selling tickets and seeking sponsorships for the BIG event.
Beta Theta is seeking sponsorships, contributions of business gift cards and other items of value and ticket sales for the event.
Giving back to the community is a cornerstone belief of the sisters of Beta Theta. Beta Theta has held community fundraisers since 1979.
Below are only a few of the organizations supported by Beta Theta: Boys and Girls Club, Building Blocks Ministries, Cooper Memorial Library, Faith Neighborhood Center, Haven of Lake and Sumter, Head Start, Hospice of Lake and Sumter and Greater Clermont Cancer Foundation/Bras for a Cause.
This year over $4,500 was awarded in high school scholarships.
Beta Theta also provided donations to other organizations that impact the South Lake Community including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Easter Seals and Ronald McDonald House.
The sisters contribute to the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind at St. Augustine, as well as canteen funding for a student. The canteen fund project began more than 35 years ago and has continued throughout the years. Beta Theta chooses a young student in need and replenishes the student’s canteen fund quarterly and sends gifts throughout the year. Beta Theta continues to support the child throughout her years at the school (K-graduation). As with traditional schools, graduations can be costly but Beta Theta has worked to make magical, lasting memories for their girls.
Beta Theta brings Christmas gifts to the residents of Leisure Manor, contributes to Wreath Across America and; the sisters most important project, Sisters Caring for Sisters.
Give Back to the Community by supporting Beta Theta’s major Mardi Gras fundraiser. Become a sponsor and/or attend the fun evening.
Contact the SOUTH LAKE TABLET at 352-241-8900 for further details.
