Most people are familiar with Beta Sigma Phi’s Fourth of July pie booth, even if they don’t know the name of the nonprofit community service group.
Pie sales have been the annual fundraiser for the group’s mission to supply teddy bears to the fire and police departments and the hospital emergency room to give to children in crisis or distress.
The Wrangell chapter of Beta Sigma Phi has decided to disband after nearly 50 years of learning, community and service.
Alice Rooney, a long-time member, wrote that the group has been affected by a number of factors, including declining membership, the aging of current members and the shuttering of their umbrella international organization in June of this year.
Over the years, the service sorority has met once or twice a month for dessert and conversation, educational presentations and event planning.
There have been barbecues, Christmas parties and candy sales, the Valentine Ball with the crowning of a queen, and the Woman of the Year celebration, highlighting outstanding volunteers in the community.
The Fourth of July pie booth has been the stalwart fundraising activity to purchase the teddy bears.
“It will be sad not to do the pie sales,” said Olinda White, a long-time member. “People would stop by just to talk; others gave donations without taking any pie. The general feedback was that we were doing a good thing and people supported us.”
White said they have money to buy the teddy bears for the next couple of years but hopes another community group will pick up the program.
