Denver Alumnae Chapter of Gamma Phi Beta

Philanthropy and Fund Raising

Throughout its history, the Denver Alumnae Chapter has focused on philanthropy. In the 1920's, there were many kinds of camps for boys in Colorado, but Kitty Lee Clarke of Denver felt there was a need for a camp to give little girls the opportunity for a mountain holiday. The Denver Alumnae Chapter from 1925 to 1929 established the Gamma Phi Beta camp for girls as a local project. The site of the first camp was Crystal Lake in Pine, Colo., and the camp then moved to Indian Hills. Gamma Phi Beta camps were also held at Palmer Lake, Blue Jay Ranch and Buffalo, Colorado. The camps were closed during World War II and re-opened in 1947.

In 1929 the membership of the Gamma Phi Beta Sorority accepted camping as the organization's international philanthropic project. The 30-acre camp in Indian Hills was leased in 1929 and then purchased in 1948. Gladys Collier was instrumental in the selection of the Indian Hills site. The camp included a main lodge, a director's cabin, a counselor's cabin, a recreation hall, and two dorms that held 20 children each. The camp held four, one-week sessions each summer. The Gamma Phi Beta camp was sold in 1969 and a CampFire Girls Camp-Camp Wilaha-became the next site for Gamma Phi Beta camps. The site of the Jefferson County Public Schools Outdoor Lab School in Pine, Colo., served until 1979 as the last site for a Colorado camp.

Denver Alumnae Chapter supported the local camp for many years through funds raised by its annual Art Mart. Art Mart began in 1966 with 90 artists and raised $1,100. By 1975, proceeds had increased to $8,000. Many women worked to make Art Mart happen. Artists were recruited, space was secured, advertising was purchased, and Gamma Phis volunteered many hours to the cause of making Art Mart a big success. Art Mart continued until the early 1980's when the day group and night group of the alumnae chapter decided to try different fundraisers. In the efforts to raise money for camping and chapter operations, this huge volunteer effort created a very strong sisterhood in Denver.

continue reading » Chapter Awards