Members of Pi Beta Phi sorority opened their chapter room doors Sunday for Christmas shoppers to purchase trendy accessories, stocking stuffers and clothing from LF, a clothing store that provides cutting-edge looks.
The sorority donated 10 percent of all proceeds to benefit First Book, which connects book publishers and community organizations to provide access to new books for children in need.
“LF brought great holiday dresses for New Years Eve, sweaters and easy clothes that students can wear to class and other items that are very versatile,” said Elizabeth Stallard, a first-year strategic communication major.
Stallard has worked for LF since she was a sophomore in high school, and was hoping to promote the store as well as benefit her chapter’s philanthropy, which is First Book.
“Our organization strives to help children learn to read in various schools and programs throughout the United States,” said Sarah Maze, a senior sociology major and Pi Beta Phi President.
Pi Phi supports Champions Are Readers, a month-long reading program for third-grade elementary students, Maze said.
Additionally, Pi Phi partners with other organizations that promote literacy, such as First Book and the Pi Phi Foundation, Maze said.
“This was my first opportunity to get directly involved and it was really exciting to see how much support I received from my friends in Pi Phi,” Stallard said.
Stallard began working on the project back in mid-October, and said she thought the trunk show would be perfect for the holidays.
“I thought it came at a really great time, right in between the two most thankful holidays of the year and it is great we are giving back to this community,” said senior early childhood education major Michelle Shirley.
Pi Phi and First Book have already raised $1 million together, the equivalent of 2 million brand-new books, since the beginning of the partnership, said Maze.
Stallard originally wanted to hold the trunk show in the Brown-Lupton University Union, but because of the complicated process of creating contracts, Stallard moved the event to Pi Phi’s chapter room.
“I loved the idea of the trunk show. It was convenient to have it hosted at our house,” said Lexie Harrell, a junior communication studies major.
The trunk show was held from 11 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 2.
“I thought the trunk show was a good way to not only raise funds for our philanthropy, but it was a fantastic way to support one of our sisters and her career,” Maze said.