UNCW’s Delta Zeta Xi Theta Chapter was awarded $1,000 toward their philanthropy, the Starkey Hearing Foundation, on Feb. 17 through a social media contest put on by Aspen Heights, a student living company that has a sector in Wilmington.

This competition is a part of Aspen Heights Awake’s latest social media “Like & Share” contest on Facebook entitled Compete for your Cause, where competitors can gain awareness for various philanthropic efforts. Aspen Heights Awake is a non-profit organization working to inspire and equip individuals to “awaken” their greatest potential.

After winning the initial $1,000 the chapter was entered into Aspen Heights Awake’s second platform of the competition. UNCW’s Delta Zeta is now competing against organizations from all over the country to win the national round of their “Compete for your Cause” philanthropy contest.

The Starkey Hearing Foundation is the national philanthropy for Delta Zeta, and sisters from the Xi Theta Wilmington chapter complete various fundraisers throughout the year to advocate for this non-profit organization. The Starkey Hearing Foundation believes, “hearing is a vehicle to reflect caring and to improve the lives of individuals, their families, and communities.”

Delta Zeta’s experience working with the Starkey Hearing Foundation does not only extend to local perimeters, but overseas as well. One sister, Paige Downing, recalls her experience with the organization in Sri Lanka, South Asia.

“Working with [Starkeys] allowed me to see how those in need truly are helped,” she said. During her time in Sri Lanka she was able to witness the work of the Starkey Hearing Foundation, getting the opportunity to observe hearing aid placements for patients who are unable to provide the aids for themselves.

The National Round of Compete for your Cause can be found on the Aspen Heights Awake Facebook page. Users wishing to help Delta Zeta promote their cause can “like” or “share” the respective photo for the National contest, labeled “Delta Zeta-Xi Theta for Starkey Hearing Foundation [Wilmington]” and will have until 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24 to do so.