Gamma Phi Beta has a long history of outstanding philanthropic and community service. Although not founded as a philanthropic organization, giving back to the community is an important part of our charter. As an organization committed to women, we envision a community in which every girl and woman has the resiliency necessary to advance her own life and the lives of others. Our philanthropic activities aim to provide experiences and resources that build spiritual, mental and social resiliency in girls. Eta Chapter takes part in other greek organization's philanthropic events, Relay for Life, and raises money for the National Breast Cancer Research Foundation as well as for Gamma Phi Beta's international philanthropy- Campfire USA.

Gamma Phi Beta supports camping for a variety of reasons:

::Visionary Cause:: While some philanthropy goes out of style, camping for girls adapts to the current needs of society. Recent studies have shed light on the positive benefits of camping experiences for children at risk. The future is in the hands of today's children.

::Diversity:: Camping for girls can be adapted to meet the needs of current societal issues and concerns.

::Local Community Involvement:: Every Gamma Phi Beta member or chapter can become involved in camping for girls. All communities offer camping experiences.

::Preventative Programming:: Unlike many philanthropic causes that address a problem, camping for girls is a proactive means to prevent problems. The wholesome, nurturing experience of camping for young girls can have a positive impact on lives during crucial formative years.

::Women's Issue:: Gamma Phi Beta’s focus on camping for girls helps provide more dollars for girls’ programs, which have always been under funded compared to camping programs for boys.

::Environmental Appreciation:: As our society becomes more urbanized, a camping experience may be the necessary link to nature for young girls. The Gamma Phi Beta Foundation matches the amount of money Eta Chapter raises thereby doubling the total financial gift to Campfire USA.

 

MR. GAMMA PHI

Mr. Gamma Phi is Eta Chapter's annual male pageantry contest and serves not only as a philanthropic event, but as an event that works to unite student groups on campus. Male participants from many different organizations on the UC Berkeley campus compete for the title by representing their student group throughout three rounds of entertainment and judging. Each year, in order to prepare for the pageant, members of Gamma Phi Beta, travel to a local chapter of Campfire USA in Oakland, CA to gain a better understanding of the organization. In 2006, Gamma Phi Beta won an OSKI Award, sponsored by the Organization of Student Life and the ASUC, for Student Organization Philanthropy. That year, the sisters were able to raise over $8000 for Campfire USA.