Kappa Kappa Gamma Hosts Sapphire Ball to Fundraise for JED at Seton Hall University

This fall, Seton Hall University’s Theta Delta chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma (KKG) debuted its Sapphire Ball, an annual dance that doubles as a fundraiser for an organization of the chapter’s choosing. For the event’s premiere, members were effusive in their decision to support The Jed Foundation (JED). 

Because KKG focuses its philanthropic efforts on mental health and well-being, Melanie Yetman and Catherine Kerr, the Philanthropy Director and Vice President of External Affairs for Kappa Kappa Gamma, respectively, felt that JED was the obvious choice. The  Seton Hall University chapter invited JED’s Development team to speak at the event and ultimately met their goal of raising $5,000 for JED: both the maximum contribution allowed and the largest contribution the chapter has ever raised. 

“JED is the organization that impacts our generation. It’s oriented toward high schools and college campuses, so immediately we felt that presence,” Melanie said. “As a whole, our chapter voted to support The Jed Foundation, and I think that every person in KKG has some sort of connection to the cause, whether it be a friend or a family member who’s struggling with mental health.” 

For Melanie, JED resonates on a personal level. She watched her sister struggle with her mental health, and now she wants to ensure that other young people have the resources to get help. 

“One thing that I think is so unique is that JED is able to support high schools and campuses. [My sister] wasn’t able to have the resources that she needed in high school, and it was so hard for her to ask for help,” she said. “I think JED is truly important. And I think that’s one of the reasons why we advocate for it so much. Everyone [at KKG] would say the same, that they feel so connected to JED.”