Partnership between OPBSI and OPBF in Direct Response to COVID-19
Contact:
Betty Diaz
Marketing Chair, Board of Directors
Omega Phi Beta Foundation Inc.
Siser2Sister@OPBFoundation.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New York, NY – April 3, 2020
Omega Phi Beta Foundation (OPBF) and Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated (OPBSI) have partnered to launch an emergency relief fund for members of OPBSI that are directly impacted by COVID-19. The Sister 2 Sister Relief Fund aims to fundraise in order to provide financial assistance to individuals and/or small businesses finding themselves facing hardship. Sisters can apply for funding beginning Friday, April 3, 2020 thru Friday, April 17, 2020. The approved funds are scheduled to be disbursed before the end of April to quickly reach those in need.
As many have become aware, the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) crisis continues to unfold across the globe. As of March 1, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO), for the first time, has declared this disease a pandemic. While quarantine and stay-at-home orders continue to go into effect around the world, individuals are being impacted in unprecedented ways. Each of our lives will continue to change in the near term as we learn more about this disease and how to mitigate the risk of it spreading.
“Due to the pandemic of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) many people have been impacted financially. We want to help alleviate financial burdens on sisters, whether that be as an individual or as small business owners”, says Jessica ‘REMO’ Saul, Executive Director, Omega Phi Beta Foundation.
OPBF and OPBSI have each launched efforts to uplift and inform our communities through their “Power of Community” and “30 Days of Light” campaigns, respectively. The Sister 2 Sister Relief Fund was a critical next step. Keenly aware of the financial impact on our communities and how the changing economic landscape is affecting our sisters, OPBF and OPBSI knew it was time to join forces to use our resources to fundraise for our members facing hardship. For this reason, OPBSI’s Board of Trustees and Alumnae Association has committed to match the first $1,000 raised for the Sister 2 Sister Relief Fund. All charitable donations made to OPBF are tax deductible and the funds will be used in their entirety to assist members affected by this global crisis. If you are able to donate, even a little, please head to: Donate to the Sister 2 Sister Relief Fund.
Stephanie Rivera, Chair of the Board of Trustees, OPBSI commented: “it’s important that we always show up for our Sisters, even in the most helpless of times. This pandemic is no different. We shouldn’t wait for others to do what we have the drive, resources, and radical love to do… Show up and support each other. This is Sisterhood.”
The Sister 2 Sister Relief Fund is open to all members of OPBSI. To apply for funding submit an application by Friday, April 17, 2020 at http://opbfoundation.org/sister-2-sister-relief-fund/
Funding Update:
Sisterhood at it’s finest! We are pleased to announce the results SO FAR of our joint OPBSI and OPBF campaign, the Sister 2 Sister Relief Fund, by the numbers! In just 2 weeks we’ve raised over $3k and we quickly turned around and awarded 100% of that money to Sisters in need. A huge thank you to all our donors for their swift actions and generous hearts. But WE’RE NOT DONE! In order to help as many of our applicants as possible, we are extending the fundraising efforts to May 15th. As with our first round, 100% of the funds raised will be awarded to Sisters that have been directly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
More information about this initiative can be obtained by contacting OPBSI and OPBF leadership at Sister2Sister@OPBFoundation.org, or please visit our Instagram or Facebook pages using the handles: @OmegaPhiBeta and @OPBFoundation.
About Omega Phi Beta Foundation
Omega Phi Beta Foundation (OPBF) is a national, philanthropic organization committed to providing leadership, academic & community development opportunities, through educational, fundraising & grant-making initiatives, that support individuals and organizations dedicated to advancing women’s rights in STEM/STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Math). For more information, visit: www.OPBFoundation.org
About Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Omega Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated (OPBSI) is a Greek-lettered organization committed to spreading the Awareness of Violence Against Women. The mission of OPBSI is to serve and educate people of diverse backgrounds through sisterhood, leadership and guidance. As positive role models, we promote unity of all cultures, focus on the empowerment of our gender and raise the standards of excellence in our academic, social, and personal endeavors. OPBSI envisions a world without oppression, where empowered women celebrate the essence of womanhood and act as resources in the advancement of their communities. For more information visit: www.OmegaPhiBeta.org
