The Alpha Xi Delta sorority at West Chester University is the Zeta Eta chapter founded in 1893 and brought to West Chester University in 1970. Alpha Xi Delta is focused on their leadership, sisterhood, service, and opportunities for its members. AXID has the official colors of double blue and gold, with the sorority flower being the pink rose which is a traditional symbol associated with the chapter.
West Chester University’s chapter Alpha Xi Delta held their first annual Double Blue and Gold Gala. I Interviewed AXID’s Vice President of Philanthropy, Sophia Faight, as she organized this Gala for the chapter. This event is a major milestone for the chapter as it reflects the growth of AXID’s efforts on campus. Sophia joined AXID in 2024 and has chosen to run for her position because of her personal connection to Alpha Xi Deltas philanthropy. Her passion for service and leadership is apparent when she puts hard work and dedication to planning this event and others. Alpha Xi Delta supports the Kindly Hears Initiative and Fostering Hope. AXID raises money and awareness for kids experiencing foster care and homelessness. The main purpose and meaning of this gala is to bring members of AXID and their families together to raise money in support of the local impact organization, Fostering Hope Chester County.
The gala held many different events including a Letters for Love table allowing guests to write letters to children in foster care, a raffle table, awards to the members in Alpha Xi Delta, and a speaker from Fostering Hope.
I asked Sophia a few meaningful questions about the gala so I could better understand the full story behind the planning process and the deeper meaning of what AXID’s philanthropy personally represents to her. This gala has been in the planning stage since November of 2025. Sophia had to make sure to stay within her budget while making sure the members and their families have a great experience. The biggest question asked was what does Alpha Xi Delta’s philanthropy mean to her, and this was her response. “Alpha Xi Delta’s philanthropy means so much to me. I grew up volunteering for an event my dad planned and executed for years that helped children and their families buy Christmas presents. I feel that children are our future, and they deserve the world!”
This gala took place on February 22nd, 2026. Previous to the gala, AXID had been raising money with tabling events on campus and having dine and donates as well in town. All that Alpha Xi Delta does is posted on AXID’s Instagram @axid_wcu !
Alpha Xi Delta also had a CrowdChange leading up to the gala to raise money! Alpha Xi Delta raised over $8000 for Fostering Hope!
Two members of the philanthropy team Abbie Gould and Abby McGrody were kind enough to share what Alpha Xi Deltas philanthropy means to them as well.
Abbie Gould – “Alpha Xi Delta’s philanthropy, The Kindly Hearts Initiative, means so much to me. As someone whose family has fostered children before, I’ve seen firsthand how impactful support, love, and stability can be in a child’s life. Being able to give back to the community through a cause that is close to my heart is so special, and I am proud and honored to be apart of Alpha Xi Delta.”
Abby McGrody – “Alpha Xi Delta’s involvement with the Kindly Hearts Initiative has allowed me to be a part of something bigger than myself. We can be advocates for youth who might not always have people to consistently advocate for them. Our chapter works closely with Fostering Hope in Chester County, so we are able to see the direct and meaningful impact our efforts can have. Our philanthropy has encouraged me to think beyond my own experiences and recognize how powerful a supportive community can be.”
