Front, middle: Frannie Waldron, Scleroderma Foundation CEO. To her left and right are representatives from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the rest are Beta Sigma Phi California Council Philanthropic Chairs.

Beta Sigma Phi Continues Its Support of the Scleroderma Foundation

The California Councils of Beta Sigma Phi held their annual statewide convention May 16–18 in Fresno, California. The sisters of Beta Sigma Phi have been supporting the work and mission of the Scleroderma Foundation since 1980. In fact, they were the first major, national organization to “adopt” scleroderma as a cause when the California Councils decided to support what was then the United Scleroderma Foundation. Since 1980, the California Councils and the Beta Sigma Phi international endowment have contributed more than half a million dollars to support the Scleroderma Foundation.

Scleroderma Foundation CEO Frannie Waldron attended this year’s celebration breakfast on May 18 and had the opportunity to thank the members of Beta Sigma Phi for their continued generosity and support of the Foundation. The philanthropic chairs of each council presented Waldron with their contribution, a combined total from the various California councils and the national organization, which totaled more than $42,000.

The annual event brings approximately 1,000 Beta Sigma Phi members, all women, together for a weekend of celebration. One of the traditions is that all members of Beta Sigma Phi wear a hat to the event. “It was truly amazing to be at the podium and look out over a sea of hats of every shape, size, and color,” remarked Waldron. “It was even more fun for me to go shopping for a special outfit and hat for the occasion; but the best part was to be with such a dynamic and caring group of women who care so deeply about people with scleroderma and the work of the Scleroderma Foundation.”

The relationship with Beta Sigma Phi began with one person who knew someone living with scleroderma and brought this cause to the forefront of the councils. The California councils support four causes annually, and we are proud of this long-standing relationship that, in addition to providing financial support, has raised awareness over the past 28 years.