Flowers and February go hand-in-hand, so it is no wonder the sisters of Gamma Phi Beta have had such a history of success with their annual “Carnations for Your Cutie” philanthropy event.
The sales of the carnations have been growing every year. The first year of “Carnations for Your Cutie” was 2009. The members of Gamma Phi Beta sold 250 carnations. In 2010 they doubled their sales with 500 carnations being sold, and last year they sold over 900 flowers. This year brought them their most success yet by selling 1,048 carnations.
“I really enjoyed the support that we got from the entire Creighton community,” said Gamma Phi Beta vice president of public relations and Arts & Sciences sophomore Bernie Clement. “Without everyone who came and bought a carnation, this event wouldn’t have been possible.”
The sales of the carnations benefited the sorority’s local philanthropy partner, Completely KIDS. Completely KIDS, formally known as Camp Fire Omaha, is an Omaha-based non-profit that offers multiple kinds of programs and services for kids and their families.
The ladies of Gamma Phi set up tables in Skutt, Kiewit and Swanson for a week to get as many sales as possible.
“The sisters of Gamma Phi Beta were all so fantastic throughout the process and they helped me in any way they could to make the event run smoothly,” Clement said.
Carnations were delivered to residence halls Feb. 11 and for the first time in the history of the carnation sales, carnations were also delivered to Greek chapters on Wednesday.
“I would really just like to thank everyone who came wand supported Gamma Phi Beta during this event,” Clement said. “‘Carnations for your Cutie’ is one of my favorite Gamma Phi Beta events because it really helps us to interact with Creighton’s community and spread a little happiness during Valentine’s Day.”