The History of the Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, Alumnae Club
The club began when an alumna, Kathy Witte, in the area sent invitations for a “meet and greet” for early April 1993. The interest was very positive, and that very afternoon those women elected a full set of officers for the new club! With 20 enthusiastic women, the Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, Alumnae Club received a charter, dated April 19, 1993.
The early philanthropy of the club was Arrowmont®, and later they embraced literacy, donating and reading children’s books to those at Volunteers in Medicine. In 2004, the club began to support the Hilton Head Children’s Center with the club’s literacy endeavors. Then in 2014, First Book®, with which Pi Beta Phi partners, reached out to alumnae chapters to join the Read > Lead > Achieve® campaign. 
After reading applications, First Book would send 500 books to be donated to the 100 most worthy of programs and the Children’s Center was deemed one of them. The club attended the Center with books in hand on March 2, 2014, Pi Phi’s Fraternity Day of Service. Because this same date also honors Dr. Seuss’® birthday, the club’s philanthropy chairwoman, Anne Senf, dressed in a Cat in the Hat costume and read said book to the children. This was an extraordinary day for the children and for the members of the club, as well. Although Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, Alumnae Club members continue with the club’s literacy program, such as donating books to the Children’s Center, the club’s most recent philanthropy is Hope Haven, which grants help to women and children in domestic strife. Their mission is to provide comprehensive services that lead to healing for child abuse victims and adult victims of sexual violence. One of the club’s members, Gloria Daly, has been active in this worthy cause, and since 2008 the club had been supporting Hope Haven of the Lowcountry. The club has donated children’s books for the lobby, presents for the children during the holiday season and supports their annual fundraiser, Lilies on the River. The dedication of support has been much appreciated.
Because they are not geographically near an active Pi Phi chapter which they could serve and advise, the club is a social one with fall luncheons, Christmas parties, Founders Day celebrations, spring picnics and even Monmouth Duos with the Kappa Kappa Gamma alumnae in the area. All in all, the Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, Alumnae Club is thriving with a lovely sisterhood of angels, full of fun, caring and giving.
Philanthropic Service
The Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, Alumnae Club participates in supporting literacy through donating to First Book recipients and is also involved in Hope Haven sponsorships.
