For the past 14 years, Beta Theta, a chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha, hosts a Mardi Gras-themed fundraiser. Last year’s Mardi Gras raised over $17,000. All proceeds were distributed to local high school scholarships and charitable organizations which provide service to the south Lake Community
Save the Date! The next annual Mardi Gras will be held on February 23, 2019, at the Clermont Arts and Recreation Center.
Why support Beta Theta? Here is a little history
Beta Theta will celebrate its 40 anniversary in April 2019.
Toni Bell, Eleanor Lofgren, Betty Meadows, and Terry Moherek were Founders and remain active members of Beta Theta. Michelle Delaney remains as its only original chartered pledge. Ann Dupee, a vibrant part of Clermont’s history, was also an original pledge and active member until her death.
Today, Beta Theta has 21 members and each will be working until February 23 to make its 15thannual Mardi Gras the best and most successful fun-raiser to date.
Members Cathy Bateham, Toni Bell-Rescoe, Michelle Delaney, Lisa Graham, Lucy Hage, Janet Hawkins, Barb Henry, Donna Kidder, Joan Kyle, Eleanor Lofgren, Diann Lovette, Sandra Martin, Suzanne McClure, Betty Meadows, Terry Moherek, Pat Moore, Janice Senninger, Rosetta Shobe, Sandie Stacy, Jackie Ulch and Ann Whitlock will be selling tickets, seeking donations, sponsorship and support from the community.
The men of Beta Theta, Charlie Bateham, Bill Delaney, Bill Graham, Steve Hage, Dave Hawkins, Roger Henry, Mel Kyle, Dave Lofgren, Larry McClure, Tom Moore, Dave Peck, Larry Rescoe, Tom Senninger, Bob Shobe, Irv Stacy and honorary members and avid supporters Joe Holt and Skip McGuire will also be selling tickets and seeking sponsorships for the BIG event.
Giving back to the community is a cornerstone belief of the sisters of Beta Theta. As a group, Beta Theta has held community fundraisers since 1979.
Some of the organizations supported by Beta Theta are Boys and Girls Club, Building Blocks Ministries, Cooper Memorial Library, Faith Neighborhood Center, Haven of Lake and Sumter, Head Start, Horses with a Mission, Hospice of Lake and Sumter and Greater Clermont Cancer Foundation.
This year over $4,500 was awarded in scholarships to East Ridge, Lake Minneola, and South Lake High Schools as well as South Lake Hospital.
Beta Theta also provided donations to other organizations that impact the South Lake Community including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Easter Seals and Ronald McDonald House.
The sisters contribute to the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind at St. Augustine, as well as canteen funding for a student. The canteen fund project began more than 35 years ago and has continued throughout the years. Beta Theta chooses a young student in need and replenishes the student’s canteen fund quarterly and sends gifts throughout the year. Beta Theta continues to support the child throughout her years at the school (K-graduation). As with traditional schools, graduations can be costly but Beta Theta has worked to make magical, lasting memories for their girls.
Beta Theta brings Christmas gifts to the residents of Leisure Manor, contributes to Wreath Across America and; the sisters most important project, Sisters Caring for Sisters.
Give Back to the Community by supporting Beta Theta’s major fundraiser. Become a sponsor and/or attend the fun evening.
Watch for further details as the event draws closer. For now, Mark Your Calendars and plan to attend Mardi Gras on Saturday, February 23.
