4 minute read
Inspiring the Next Generation of Philanthropists
For many donors, philanthropic decisions are influenced by the potential impact we can make through our gifts. We want to strengthen our connection to the causes close to our hearts and know the difference we’re making in our communities. Yet while we often think of the impact we can make for those we seek to help, we might not consider the positive effect our giving can have on those closest to us — our family and friends.
Georgia Alpha DOREEN MUELLER understands the power of philanthropic leadership by example. Growing up in Atlanta, Doreen learned the importance of charitable giving from her parents, who emphasized sharing their time and resources with others. As a young alumna, Doreen’s first gifts to Pi Beta Phi starting in 1985 were inspired by influential Fraternity leaders and mentors she came to know through her time in the chapter and the Atlanta, Georgia, Alumnae Club. Now a longtime donor, she continues to model the way for younger generations — including her twin daughters South Carolina Alpha MARDY KRAMER and North Carolina Delta NIX KRAMER — through her philanthropic commitments.
“I believe we all have the ability and responsibility to give back,” Doreen says. “Our ability to give varies — sometimes we’re able to give time and talent, and at other times we’re able to give financially. But we all share the responsibility, and that’s what I want to teach our children.”
Doreen met two of her closest Pi Phi friends and mentors, future Grand President SARAH “SIS” MULLIS, South Carolina Alpha, and longtime editor of The Arrow, MARILYN SIMPSON FORD, Nebraska Beta, soon after pledging Pi Phi at the University of Georgia in the mid-1970s. The women developed a cross generational connection during Doreen’s college years, and Sis and Marilyn welcomed her into the Atlanta club following graduation. Through her club involvement and leadership, she also grew close to future Grand President CAROLYN HELMAN LICHTENBERG, Ohio Alpha. “I’m so fortunate to have such great mentors in Sis, Marilyn and Carolyn,” Doreen reflects. “I learned so much about leadership from them and continue to take those lessons throughout my life.”
Those leadership lessons included the importance of Philanthropic Service to Others. When Sis, Marilyn, Carolyn and other club leaders talked about the importance of supporting the Fraternity, Doreen felt inspired to follow suit. “The women I admired and knew well included Pi Phi in their charitable giving, and I wanted to be part of it, too,” she explains. “Giving was in my DNA, and I wanted to see the positive impact I could make. When you give to our Foundation, you know you’re making an impact.”
A career change brought Doreen to the Washington, D.C., area, where she met her husband, Ted Kramer. An aviator in the U.S. Navy and a member of Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Ted hailed from a philanthropic-minded family and shared Doreen’s generous spirit. As they raised their daughters Mardy and Nix, Doreen and Ted sought to create a culture of giving within their household. “We used to play a game with our kids,” Doreen recalls. “If they suddenly had millions of dollars, what would they do with it? What organizations would they give to, and what people would they help? It was so validating to hear their answers; we truly felt we were sharing the importance of helping others.”
Their daughters grew up watching the example of their parents enthusiastically sharing time and resources with the organizations and causes meaningful to them. Today, both Mardy and Nix are monthly donors to Pi Beta Phi Foundation and supported The Campaign for Georgia Alpha alongside their mother. Though not members of the chapter, both daughters made their gifts in honor of Sis, whom they’ve known since birth. In addition, Mardy and Nix will join Doreen as members of the Evelyn Peters Kyle Society this year. “They’ve had to figure out the commitment for themselves, but it’s their responsibility,” Doreen says. “You have to start the habit of giving early. When you establish your ability to give, it becomes second nature. It’s the methodology of giving back.”
Since her early days in the Atlanta club, Doreen has cherished her membership in Pi Phi as a place to build skills and confidence and a source of connection and support through times of transition. “Our sisterhood is my safety net,” she says. “Pi Phi is the anchor that enables me to be the best I can be, through leadership, growth and giving back.” Continuing to support our Foundation is a way for Doreen to share gratitude for her experience — as well as another opportunity to inspire others through philanthropic leadership. “My support is a demonstrative way to stand tall and say how important Pi Phi is to me,” she says. “I love our direction and vision of what we want to be for young women — a premier organization. But to accomplish this, we have to create a culture where the Pi Phi experience is sustainable. Giving back is a perfect way to plant those seeds for the next generation.”
From left: Georgia Alphas SUSAN TEASTER, DOREEN MUELLER and MARY BETH JORDAN CARY, with Doreen’s daughters, South Carolina Alpha MARDY KRAMER and North Carolina Delta NIX KRAMER, on a summer trip to Annapolis, Maryland, in 2007.
