“Economy does not lie in sparing money but in spending it wisely.”

— T.H. Huxley

THE ALPHA BETA Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha celebrated its 40-plus years of partnership with Orange Grove Center, said Betty Proctor, fraternity spokeswoman.

Kyle Hauth, Orange Grove executive director, spoke to ESA members from around the country during the 61st annual ESA International Convention of Chattanooga, Ms. Proctor said.

Orange Grove is a private, non-profit organization serving adults and children with developmental disabilities.

“Alpha Beta embraces Orange Grove’s mission statement — ‘recognize, support and celebrate the qualities of the individual,’ and takes it to heart,” she said.

“It was 1966 when Valerie Grant, a newly relocated ESA member and pilot from North Carolina, joined the Alpha Beta Chapter. Ms. Grant approached ESA sisters Ruth Lehman, Betty Jolly, Bobbie Crow and Ann Bradley about offering airplane rides for a penny per pound to help raise funds for Orange Grove. The first rides raised $300. Twenty-five years later, more than $20,000 made it the biggest fund-raising project,” said long-time member Betty Jolly.

“You have to have a sense of enjoyment to make anything successful,” Mr. Hauth said, in a news release.

“He encouraged ESA attendees to look for unforeseen opportunities that are often the most beautiful when considering philanthropic deeds within their own chapters,” Ms. Proctor said.

This year, Alpha Beta is committed to providing $25,000 a year for the next four years to further Orange Grove’s mission, Ms. Proctor said.

In addition to the fund-raising, Alpha Beta members help restore homes occupied by Orange Grove residents, she said.

“Alpha Beta’s restoration project for Orange Grove was showcased during March 2008 when the Orange Grove staff sponsored an open house in East Ridge,” Ms. Proctor said.

“ESA is a premiere leadership and service organization. Since 1929, ESA has created a powerful network of nearly 1,000 chapters to excel in community education, service and philanthropy,” she said. “ESA’s unique programs provide each member with the training, education and support they need to promote successful public service, while developing personal and professional skills in management, public relations and overall leadership.

For more information, visit http://www.esaintl.com.

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