Theta Tau Theta Sorority
Gamma Alpha - Oakland, Ca.
The Gamma Alpha chapter of Theta Tau Theta was formed in Oakland, California in 1926 and is the second oldest chapter still in existence with it's original charter. Two of our current members have been active for 30 years; and one of our sisters has been an active member for over 40 years!
Prior to 1948, the sorority donated to Community Chests, the War effort, Red Cross and the Campfire Girls, as wells as donations of food and clothing to families in poor and needy situations. In 1948, the Diabetic Youth Foundation became the major benefactor of Theta Tau Theta Sorority.
Currently Gamma Alpha's members consist of women of all denominations residing in Hayward, San Leandro, Castro Valley, and the Tri-Valley areas (Pleasanton, Dublin & Livermore) of Northern California. Many of Gamma's active members retire to active associate status where they need only attend two functions per year, but still remain available to lend a helping hand to our fundraising activities. We are always looking for new members to recruit.]
Gamma's major objective is to sponsor newly diagnosed children and their families whose may need financial help with a week of summer camp at Bearskin Meadow (see link on HOME page) in Kings Canyon in the Sequoia National Forest. Here they learn with other diabetic children like themselves how to live and deal with their newly diagnosed disease.
Our other objective is raising funds for the DYF to help maintain Bearskin Meadow Camp itself. Gamma Alpha does this by holding two major fundraisers each year. Our largest is our Annual Crabfeed held each year in February at the San Leandro Boy's & Girl's Club. At the crabfeed, we also hold a silent auction, a 50/50 drawing & a regular drawing with prizes donated by members & sponsors. Gamma's other fundraiser is our Annual Bingo-Salad Luncheon held each year in April at the Highland Oaks Cabana in Pleasanton. Members provide an array of delicious salads for guests to enjoy. We also hold a Holiday Baskets Drawing every December. All our activities are definitely a group effort with our husbands and significant others always eager to lend a helping hand.
Gamma Alpha holds it's meetings on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month, January through June at member's homes to plan fundraisers and other social events. In July, August, November and December, we limit our meetings to once a month. We also have our Executive Conclave to attend where we meet with all the other chapters to present our monies earned throughout the year to the DYF executive, Matts Wallin; Wallin@dyf.org.
Our organization is not complicated. Through the years, times have changed and we have relaxed many of the rules and rituals to become a member a little less formal.
In the process of reaching our fundraising objectives and provision of camperships, by working together for a common cause, good fellowship ensures which often results in ling lasting friendships. Please visit the DYF & Bearskin Meadow website shown on the HOME page to find out more about what is offered for diabetic children. If you are interested in joining the Bay Area Chapter, Gamma Alpha, please contact Linda Nagel @ 925-606-1886 or email her at 4jonnagel@comcast.net