Wichita State University's Gamma Phi Beta chapter, Beta Chi, received a letter of recognition from the Gamma Phi Beta International Foundation for its outstanding support of the organization's international philanthropy, Girls on the Run. The chapter is among the top 10 fundraising chapters for Girls on the Run across the United States and Canada.

During the 2014-15 academic year, Beta Chi raised $11,900 for the local Girls on the Run council, located in Sedgwick County.

“We are incredibly appreciative of (Gamma Phi Beta’s) fundraising efforts,” said Theresa Miller, vice president of Girls on the Run International.

Girls on the Run is an international organization that inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum that creatively integrates running. The curriculum is taught to 3rd-5th grade girls over a 10-12 week period, at the end of which participants run a 5K.

Beta Chi hosts a Crescent Classic Gamma Phive-K in the fall semester in support of Girls on the Run. In addition, many of its members volunteer to work the 5K hosted by the Girls on the Run in both the spring and fall.

“We are so happy and proud to support such an amazing organization,” said Clare Stewart, Beta Chi president. “Through the hard work of our chapter members, we have been able to give more young girls the opportunity to experience Girls on the Run. That in itself is our greatest reward.”

Gamma Phi Beta is dedicated to providing support for a program so fundamental to building strong girls and giving back to the community.

The sorority, founded in 1874, has a mission of inspiring the highest type of womanhood. There are 181 chartered collegiate chapters across the United States and Canada, with more than 195,000 collegiate and alumnae members worldwide.