Our Nominee for Sigma Beta of the Year has been a member since 1977, when her sister-in-law introduced her to the group. Her perspective on many things is “Priorities:” If someone wants to do something and makes an effort, it is because they are focusing on their “Priorities.” This nominee definitely has Sigma Beta among her “Priorities.” 

Throughout the year, she has created multiple gifts and crafts for baskets, raffles, and online sales. The monies she earns from these sales, she donates to our chapter's charity fund, and often forgets to submit her expenses. She spends countless hours on these items for various events.

Over the last year, she has created wreaths, souvenir bottles, and light-up wine bottles themed for holidays or at someone's request. Depending on the design, she takes 2-3 hours per bottle or wreath, hand-painting, gluing, and designing. She keeps her costs low, allowing her to sell them at a lower price than some Etsy prices. According to our calculations, this sister has produced 15 of these items since October 2024 (likely more), totaling approximately 35 hours. 

This sister also volunteers at a local university concession stand, selling sodas, beers, and snacks. These games are for Men’s Basketball, including tournaments, and Sigma Beta receives a percentage of the sales. She volunteered 75 hours for the 2024-2025 season. 

In our area, a group of friends hosts an “Adult Prom”. It brings together 350 people of all ages for a fun “prom” night, benefiting a local charity. Our sister created 52 centerpieces for the “Wizard of Oz” theme. She handcrafted each of them with hula hoops, Barbies, lights, glitter, hot glue, wine bottles, ribbon, and so on. She spent over 50 hours creating these wonderful centerpieces. At the event, Sigma Beta is listed as a sponsor, and recognition is given in person and on social media. 

In preparation for our chapter hosting the Sigma Beta Annual meeting in 2026, our sister has begun gathering items for multiple raffle baskets. Many of these items, she receives as a “bonus item” or “free item” with a purchase. Don’t get us wrong —this sister does this while she is doing her own shopping —but she makes lists of items she needs to ensure the baskets and raffle prizes are as bountiful as possible. Typically, the baskets are valued at over $100. Beginning in November 2024, she has saved her Kohl's cash and searched for sales to add things to these raffle baskets. She has so far gathered 38 items for 11 different raffle baskets.

In addition to gift baskets, she gathers items for our chapter's “College Football Watch Party.” She wraps them up in bags with ribbon to make these free items feel more special for the raffle winners. This past year, she donated over 30 items. 

For Basketball and Football season, this sister coordinates our chapter's “Square” fundraiser sales, keeping track of funds, square requests, and scores. She markets it on Facebook, getting family, past classmates, and other Sigma Beta sisters to participate. This fundraiser raises $250 for each game.

She keeps our chapter spirits high and often comes up with new fundraising ideas to keep us going. Our chapter would not be the same without her. This sister clearly has Sigma Beta as one of her “priorities.”