Kappa Kappa Gamma is one of the largest women's fraternities in the United States.  Founded in 1870 at Monmouth College in Illinois, Kappa Kappa Gamma currently has 134 active chapters throughout the US and Canada.  Kappa has over 220,000 initiates and 300 alumnae associations around the world.
The Epsilon Lambda Chapter at The University of Tennessee is one of Kappa's most prestigious groups of young women.  This local chapter was founded in 1967 and contains roughly 150 members.  Epsilon Lambda participates in numerous philanthropy events, Panhellenic events, and other organizations on UT's campus.
The group's national philanthropy is Reading is Fundamental (RIF) which helps to build a literate society by showing young people the joy of reading.  Periodically throughout the year, Kappa's visit underprivileged schools and spend time reading to the kids.  "I think RIF is a great way to give back to the community and help children in need right here in Knoxville," said Jenny Foster, sophomore member of Kappa Kappa Gamma.
Alongside their national philanthropy, the Epsilon Lambda Chapter holds a separate local philanthropy event benefiting the March of Dimes.  The March of Dimes is a non-profit organization whose mission it is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.  In order to raise money for the March of Dimes, Kappa hosts Kappa-lympics, a field day event.  Every year numerous sororities and fraternities at UT participate in Kappa-lympics, as well as donate money.  Allie Rapkowicz, sophomore member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority said, "Kappa-lympics is one of my favorite spring philanthropy events.  It's always so much fun and I know our money is going towards a great cause."  In 2006, Kappa Kappa Gamma Nationals awarded "Best Philanthropy Event" to Epsilon Lambda.
Kappas at Tennessee also participate in other events to benefit the March of Dimes.  Twice a year, Epsilon Lambda Chapter holds a designer jean sale in Panhellenic to raise money.  In the spring, they also partake in March for Babies which is a walk around campus to increase awareness of premature births.  In 2008, they raised over $5,000 for the March of Dimes.
Additionally, Kappa Kappa Gamma puts many hours into the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, which is an event that honors cancer survivors and pays tribute to those who have died.  This year, Epsilon Lambda had their own private tent.  They sold bagels and hot chocolate in order to raise money for the American Cancer Society.
Kappa Kappa Gamma's are also popular within UT's social scene.  They participate in Homecoming every year.  In the fall of 2008, they will be teaming up with Kappa Sigma Fraternity for the Homecoming festivities.  Epsilon Lambda holds an annual 80s prom date party and Sapphire Ball formal for their members to enjoy, as well as numerous mixers with fraternities.  Junior member of Kappa, Jenna Lickliter said, "Our social events are a great way to escape the stresses of academic life and get dressed up with your best friends."
Overall, the Epsilon Lambda Chapter at UT can be described in terms of Kappa's mission statement, "Kappa Kappa Gamma is an organization of women, which seeks for every member throughout her life bonds of friendship, mutual support, opportunities for self-growth, respect for intellectual development, and an understanding of and an allegiance to positive ethical principles."