Philanthropy
The first philanthropic efforts made by Zeta Tau Alpha were in 1928. ZTA established a health center to aid the people of the Currin Valley in Smith City, Virginia. In 1946, the center closed and Zeta adopted the Cerebral Palsy Division of the National Society for Crippled Children and Adults. They later had associations with Easter Seals and the Association for Retarded Citizens, and supported the Red Cross, the Sunshine Kids Foundation and Reading Is Fundamental, Inc.
In 1992, Zeta Tau Alpha made the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, its national philanthropy. Later, the Fraternity decided to focus in on women’s health, broadening their focus not only on the Komen Foundation, but to other educational means dedicated to fighting breast cancer through education, awareness and promoting breast health.
Today, the National Philanthropy for Zeta Tau Alpha is Breast Cancer Education and Awareness. ZTA members have distributed over 9.2 million waterproof shower cards, which identify how to perform breast self-examinations to get the message out about early detection in college campuses and communities. They also have distribruted more than 5 million self-examination calendar reminder stickers. Zetas have given out pink ribbions to remind everyone that early detection is the key to survival. ZTA members volunteer at more than 100 Race for the Cure events and ZTA backs all organizations committed to breast cancer research, education, screening, and treatment
