CCS Divine 9 Challenge kicks off

by St. Louis American staff October 11, 2024

The Charmaine Chapman Society is celebrating its 30th year, and its Divine 9 Challenge is underway. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority inc., and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., won the respective sorority and fraternity challenges in 2023. From left at a CCS event are Cedric Mitchell, Michelle Tucker, United Way president and CEO, Francella Jackson, and Lathon Ferguson. Credit: Photo courtesy of United Way

Black Greeks support United Way

The United Way of Greater St. Louis Charmaine Chapman Society (CCS) is kicking off its 2024 Divine 9 fundraising challenge during a milestone year – the 30-year anniversary of the group’s inception.

The Divine 9 Challenge increases financial support for United Way’s annual community campaign and celebrate Black sorority and fraternity’s commitment to service that ensures the St. Louis region is a better place to live, work, and thrive.

 Last year’s Challenge raised a total of $385,000 for the community and the winners were:

  • Sorority = Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. – $154,940
  • Fraternity = Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. – $104,610

The fundraising challenge runs through December 2 and leading this year’s challenge are CCS co-chairs Arica and Steven Harris.

 “We are proud to be leading CCS during what is a very special year for us, the money we have invested into the community over the years is a testament to the generosity of all of those who have been members of this group,” said Arica and Steven.

“This Divine 9 Challenge will be a continuation of the high standard we’ve set in making sure CCS leads the way in making a positive impact in the community through collective giving.”

 The challenge brings together members of the nine historically Black sororities and fraternities in the St. Louis region to support the community by pledging to the United Way Leadership level annual gift of $1,000 or more.

 “Since the Charmaine Chapman Society’s inception, they have sought to be a leader in the Black giving community and this dedication has benefitted millions of people throughout the St. Louis region over the past 30 years,” said Michelle D. Tucker, United Way of Greater St. Louis president and CEO.

 “We look forward to our philanthropic leaders celebrating this remarkable 30-year milestone by making this year’s Divine 9 Challenge a special one that will uplift and empower our neighbors.”

 The United Way of Greater St. Louis provides stable funding throughout the year to a network of more than 160 local high-performing nonprofits.

They help with immediate basic needs such as food, shelter, and transportation as well as long-term support such as youth programming, education, job training, and counseling. Thirty of the nonprofits served are led by Black CEOs or executive directors.

To support the United Way by making a donation, please visit Helpingpeople.org.