Tau Psi Zeta Steps Up for

By Dawn White

Tau Psi Zeta Chapter

While COVID-19 has presented many challenges around the world, it has also given Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated the opportunity to trailblaze and continue to progress in providing service for the community. The world is a little different now and the truth is many pregnant women and babies who are at risk of becoming sick and not receiving the care they need, are now an even greater concern with the spread of the unprecedented COVID-19 virus. As a result, March of Dimes transformed their March for Babies StepUp Campaign into a virtual event allowing individuals to participate from anywhere.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Tau Psi Zeta chapter, Alsip, Illinois joined the March for Babies StepUp Campaign by safely marching in their homes, walking in their neighborhoods, parks, etc., with their children, family, and friends or a Soror. In May 2020, Tau Psi Zeta Chapter raised $13,192 and placed 4th place overall. While the Amicae of Alsip raised $1,861 (2nd place) and Tau Psi Zeta Youth Affiliates raised $866 (2nd place). The funds raised will go towards helping provide resources and programs to educate and empower moms, so every baby can have the best possible start.

TPZ encouraged friends, family, and supporters to join and help raise funds to tackle the biggest health threat towards mothers and babies. TPZ set a goal, which was exceeded, asked for personal and professional support and reminded everyone why this campaign was so important. Tau Psi Zeta President Soror Darcell NorwoodBaugh encouraged chapter members to post their pictures with a March of Babies message to social media to get the word out.

Sorors, Amicae and youth used social media, text messaging and emailing as their fundraising platform, creating personalized messages to encourage family, friends and business partners to support this worthy cause.

Tau Psi Zeta Chapter Soror Tasha Dicks was the top fundraiser raising $2,333. Soror Dicks shared her inspiration for raising money and bringing awareness to this cause.

“I was born prematurely at 28 weeks gestation (7 months) weighing only 3lbs 7oz. I lived in an incubator for a month until I gained at least 5 lbs before I could go home,” she said.

Soror Dicks added that she participates to help all moms and families experience the joy of a healthy baby. She believes that sharing her personal story inspired many family and friends to donate and support the March for Babies StepUp Campaign.

This was TPZ’s 15th year with March of Dimes and this was the best year showing that COVID-19 could not stop the flow of fundraising.