At the Gamma Eta Chapter, we believe in giving back to the Georgia Tech and Atlanta community. We use these opportunities to not only make an impact in those communities, but also to bring our brotherhood closer together. While philanthropy is often neglected by many chapters in the Greek System, Betas will tell you that philanthropy is one of the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences of fraternity life. Here is an overview of service projects and organizations the brothers of Beta Theta Pi participate in:

Canine Companions For Independence

Canine Companions is our chapter’s official philanthropy. They are a non-profit organization that enhance the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships. Each spring, we partner with them to host an annual puppy carnival to raise money. Last spring, we raised over $2600 at this event alone, and over $7500 for the entire year.

Excel Mentorship Program

The Excel Program is a four-year college program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Excel provides a structured, supportive, and inclusive post-secondary educational opportunity. Excel mentors work with these students to increase student leadership capacity, social fluency, and skills for adulthood. We have several brothers who volunteer as mentors in a number of areas, such as social, academic, and health and wellness.

Funding Bright Futures

Funding Bright Futures is a nonprofit organization based in New York City working to raise funds for scholarships for underprivileged children around the globe. We raise money through student-led classes such as art, LEGO, and tutoring in all subjects and languages for kids between the ages of 8-12 (though we gladly accept donations). By raising just $700 we are able to put a child through one year of school. Funding Bright Futures has become the chapter’s main charity. This past year, the chapter raised over $20,000 for the organization. For more info click this link.

GOALSoccer

GOALSoccer is an organization that pairs elementary to middle school age kids with mild to moderate special needs one-on-one with experienced Georgia Tech students to learn soccer skills in a fun, constructive environment. Throughout the year these kids learn and practice various drills and then compete in the Atlanta Special Olympics in May with their "coach" cheering them on. This year brothers Luke Simmons, Jake DePirri, Darren Hunt, Braden Krohn, Doug Johnson, and Justin Barchitta all volunteered to serve as '“buddies” to the special needs players.

Tech the Halls

Tech the Halls is an initiative with the Cobb County public school system to strengthen community bonds by taking underprivileged children in the area holiday shopping. The purpose is to allow underprivileged children a chance to celebrate the holidays in the same manner that those who are fortunate enough can experience. This year, brothers Max Mobley, Philip Colt, Mason Harrell, Jack Godfrey, and Ted Wach all volunteered as mentors with the Boys and Girls club of Atlanta.

For the Kids

GT FTK raises money for Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, our local Children's Miracle Network hospital. The fundraising efforts directly benefit the Heart Center at Children’s. The money donated helps pay things like new state-of-the-art equipment and care at the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit and groundbreaking research and training in the Heart Center. Brothers Brandon Sherrard and Justin Barchitta are working as volunteers on different committees in the organization, in addition to the numerous brothers who donate during Dance Marathon, one of the largest philanthropy events on campus.

BOPSOP

BOPSOP is a student service organization focused on providing tutoring to underprivileged children in the Atlanta area. We work four days a week for 12 weeks with a group of K-5 students, located less than 10 minutes from campus. BOPSOP works with local Atlanta communities that do not receive as much assistance from local YMCAs or the Boys and Girls Club. Brothers Ian Cox and Ajinkya Sewent all volunteered as tutors.