Story By: Kara Williamson

MONTEVALLO, Ala – Delta Gamma hosted its Donuts with Dogs event Monday at Farmer Hall, raising money and awareness for Service for Sight, the sorority’s philanthropy that supports individuals with visual impairments. 

The event allowed attendees to purchase donuts for $1 and meet a trained guide dog from Gallant Heart Guide Dog Center. Half of the proceeds from the event will go directly to Service for Sight, which funds vision-related resources, surgeries and support services.

Delta Gamma members Peyton Nguyen and Lydia Kelly, both students at the University of Montevallo, helped run the event and emphasized its impact.

“Sororities may be looked at in a certain light, but for us, this is something we take seriously.” Lydia said. “It’s not just about charity but about getting the community involved.” 

Delta Gamma organizes two philanthropic events each year, one in the fall and another in the spring. In addition to Donuts with Dogs, the chapter also hosts Dogs with DG, a dodgeball tournament, which also benefits Service for Sight. 

Peyton added that spreading awareness is just as important as raising money.

“Service for Sight isn’t the most well-known philanthropy, but it’s really important,” she said. “Just think of how many people you know who wear glasses or contacts. It’s something we take for granted.”

“Sororities may be looked at in a certain light, but for us, this is something we take seriously. It’s not just about charity but about getting the community involved.” 

Lydia Kelly, Delta Gamma member

Gloria Murphy, a representative from Service for Sight, attended the event with one of the organization’s guide dogs. Gallant Hearts provides guide dogs at no cost, despite the high cost of training. 

“We have about 30 people on the waiting list,” Murphy said. 

Murphy said since the pandemic, she has traveled to various Delta Gamma chapters across the Southeast to continue spreading the organization’s mission. Last year, they raised around $60,000 through its partnerships. So far this year, donations are nearing $54,000.

Beyond fundraising, Murphy explained the importance of educating the public.

“Recognize a blind person as a person, and talk to them, not just the person they’re with,” she said. “I do have a guide dog in training, and even though he’s allowed in public, people have said no.”

Delta Gamma hopes events like these not only support a good cause, but also build empathy and understanding within the community.