foundation
A Tradition Transformed Did you know Violet Tributes started as a
Convention tradition? Ann Williams, former Chair of Foundation Board of Directors,
introduced the tradition of making a $5 gift
to honor a beloved Sigma sister at our 2001 National Convention in Tampa, Florida.
Over the past 17 years, Violet Tributes
have transformed into a 365-days-a-year tradition shared
between Sigmas, family, friends, mentors and heroes. From a purple envelope with card and violet sticker to a website with
virtual violets delivered every week, we now can reach sisters around the world to spread sisterly love.
While every Violet Tribute, then and now, supports the
Foundation’s mission, these honorary gifts also teach important lessons in our sisterhood.
Lesson 2: Make the effort to stay connected to sisters near and far
We all struggle to keep in touch with
our sisters whether they be from your new member class, your alumnae
or collegiate chapter or a sister you
met at a Convention many years ago. Violet Tributes are both a thoughtful
way to remember a birthday, an anniversary or just to let that
special sister know that you are thinking of them. Giving to the Tri Sigma Foundation by purchasing a Violet Tribute makes for a more meaningful gesture than a social media post because
you are not only honoring a sister but you are also supporting our philanthropy.
Lesson 1: Don’t underestimate the power of encouragement
As a Tri Sigma volunteer, I have had the privilege to attend many different programs including the 2018 Presidents Academy. I
remember watching at Presidents Academy as the presidents
lined up to receive their violets. Many remarked that their families or advisors had sent them a violet. While others walked up to
me sharing “I probably don’t have any Violet Tributes.” However, thanks to four generous Sigmas this year, all the presidents in
attendance received at least four violets. It was plain to see that
these donors’ generosity impacted these women as they opened their cards excited to see who sent them a Violet Tribute. The
personal messages on the back of the cards from those women
It may seem like it’s just a tagline, “every gift, large or small,
makes a difference.” However, I know every time someone
honors a sister with a $5 gift, then that sister may pay it forward with a $5 gift to honor another sister. The momentum of Violet Tributes adds up quickly.
Between the $25,925 raised by Violet Tributes this triennium
to the love of sisterhood shared between thousands of Sigmas, I expect this Foundation tradition to continue and grow with Tri Sigma. And you can expect to give and receive tributes at our 2019 National Convention in Las Vegas.
If you have ever received a Violet Tribute, I challenge you to
pay it forward today. Honor a sister whose steadfast friendship reminds you of the true meaning of sisterhood.
were acts of encouragement for our emerging leaders.
Personal messages of encouragement, both virtual and
printed, lay the foundation for leadership programs filled with
In Our Bonds,
learning and building new Sigma friendships. Messages from
advisers such as “I believe in you,” or from parents such as “I am
so proud of you,” encourage our youngest Sigma sisters. We have the opportunity to model the way for empowering our sisterhood.
Bonnie Rainey, Alpha Sigma
Chair, Foundation Board of Directors
send love at violettributes.com 40 the TRIANGLE | fall 2018