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Support for The Independence Fund tops

$1 Million Chapters Donate Six All-Terrain Track Wheelchairs to Wounded Veterans in 2022

HIGH POINT–ZETA PHI

Throughout 2022, seven KA chapters worked to raise funds for The Independence Fund for the purchasing and outfitting of all-terrain track wheelchairs for catastrophically wounded veterans. Through fundraising events and soliciting donations, sixteen KA chapters have worked together or individually to raise the $16,000 to $20,000 to donate a track chair. At the end of 2022, more than twenty-four chairs have been donated to veterans in need, and the Order has raised more than $1,000,000 for The Independence Fund to improve the lives of veterans.

November 11, 2022, during High Point University’s 12th annual Veterans Day Celebration, which welcomed more than 1,500 veterans and their families to campus. Presented to retired U.S. Army combat engineer Stephen Smerek and to retired U.S. Army engineer Kris Lindsay, not in attendance due to a recent surgery.

WESTMINSTER–ALPHA ETA

October 22, 2022, during halftime of the Westminster College Second Annual Military Appreciation Day home football game against the University of Northwestern, St. Paul Presented to retired U.S. Army SPC Eric Jordan.

November 12, 2022, during halftime of the HampdenSydney College home football game against Randolph Macon College. Presented to retired U.S. Navy veteran Heather Miner.

November 19, 2022, during halftime of the James Madison University’s Military Appreciation home football game against Georgia State University

Presented to retired U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Randall Pope

November 19, 2022, during halftime of the McNeese State University home football game against Lamar University

Presented to retired U.S. Marine Todd M. Croft.

In 2016, the Zeta Phi Chapter partnered with The Independence Fund and began a student-led initiative aimed at raising money to provide all-terrain track wheelchairs for wounded veterans. To date, the Zeta Phi Chapter has donated a total of eight chairs. Over time, their initiative has spread to other chapters in the Order, and its members continue to provide leadership, support, and best fundraising practices.