Established Feb 23, 1967, Portage Tri Kappa officially celebrated its 50th Anniversary on April 30th, 2017, with an anniversary brunch, held in the Sycamore Room, at Woodland Park in Portage...
A unique philanthropic women's organization, the Portage Zeta Mu Chapter of statewide Kappa Kappa Kappa, Inc. (commonly known as Tri Kappa), has donated, during its half-century of good works, over $450,000 to various organizations in the greater Portage community-- with monies raised supporting charity, culture, and education. Portage Tri Kappa members have also dedicated countless hours to working on various community service projects.
At the 50th anniversary event, Zeta Mu's philanthropy and community service history was on display, with photos, scrapbooks, and memorabilia for attendees to peruse. Also making history, Felicia DeMass, one of the original charter members --who is also a current member-- was presented with a 50th year Tri Kappa pin and a bouquet of flowers, in recognition of her many years of loyalty and service.
Active and inactive Portage Tri Kappa Chapter members, including many past presidents, as well as Tri Kappa state officers, were in attendance at the 50th anniversary. Also at the event, State Senator Karen Tallian presented a State Resolution honoring Portage Tri Kappa's 50th; representing the City of Portage, Councilwoman Sue Lynch presented the City's Proclamation honoring Zeta Mu; and Police Chief Troy Williams, Porter County Sheriff David Reynolds, and former mayor Doug Olson were also present.
The program included the presenting of monetary awards to some of the many organizations which Portage Tri Kappa supports. Representatives from Jacob's Ladder, The Caring Place, Boys and Girls Club of Portage, Portage Historical Society, Portage Township Live Entertainment Association, Ogden Dunes Historical Society, Ballet Folklorico of Northwest Indiana, and the Distinguished Young Woman and Outstanding Young Man programs were present to accept Zeta Mu's philanthropy in person. Those organizations not in attendance will have their monetary awards from Portage Tri Kappa mailed to them in June.
In her closing remarks, Zeta Mu President Barbara Niemcewicz stated: "The Zeta Mu Chapter of Kappa Kappa Kappa, Inc. has carved a place in the history of Portage and will continue to provide monetary and hands on assistance to the citizens and organizations who reside here now-- and hopefully we will do so for the next 50 years!"
Portage Tri Kappa is one of 144 active local chapters in the not- for- profit Tri Kappa statewide organization. Founded in 1901, and exclusive to the State of Indiana, Tri Kappa also has 110 associate chapters and has nearly 9,000 members. Tri Kappa gives away approximately $1.5 million yearly in philanthropy. For more information about the Portage Zeta Mu Chapter of Tri Kappa, contact President Barbara Niemcewicz at (219) 929-7358 or email: barbara.niemcewicz@gmail.com