Phi Beta Psi chapter to celebrate 100 years in July

(BATESVILLE, Ind.) – A Batesville sorority will celebrate a milestone anniversary next month. 

The Xi Chapter of Phi Beta Psi Sorority will officially mark 100 years on July 26.

The founding members in 1926 were Viola Elder Canfield, Naomi Roell Hellmich, Mary Hillenbrand, Selma Marie Taylor, and Ivy Wisman. 

Their mission has mostly stayed the same over the past century as they focus on friendship, charity and advancing the fight against cancer. 

“While cancer research is its modern hallmark, the chapter has always stepped up to meet the moment,” said member Sharon Navarro. 

In 1939, the group provided ventilators for polio patients to Margaret Mary Health. It was part of an nationwide initiative called “Iron Lungs."

Cancer research was officially adopted as Phi Beta Psi's permanent national project in 1941 and that remains the same today. 

For nearly 50 years, the women of the Xi Chapter were a familiar sight on the streets of Batesville every April, walking door-to-door to collect donations for the American Cancer Society. 

A new opportunity came in 1996 when chapter member Bobbi Wade and several others introduced the concept of Relay for Life. 

The Xi Chapter members played a pivotal role in planning, organizing, and launching the annual walk.

The inaugural year raised $23,000 for the American Cancer Society and has now surpassed $100,000 overall.

They also provide gift cards, transportation and meals to cancer patients who receive treatment at the Hansen Cancer Center. 

Some nonprofits they have supported include the Batesville food pantry, the Batesville Summer Lunch Program, Project T3, The Pregnancy Hotline, and Safe Passage. 

“Over the decades, Xi Chapter members have poured countless hours into creative fundraisers. From card parties, Bunco tournaments, and collecting donations at local intersections, to selling pecans, Rada knives, and cookies, or making turtle soup, and hosting their beloved Salad Luncheon, the chapter has found endless ways to engage the community in donating,” Navarro said. 

Xi Chapter currently has 45 members who range in age from 30 to 85. Their largest event of the year is ‘Soups n’ Sips’ each January.

Nationally, Phi Beta Psi had 58 chapters and over 1,075 active members. It has raised more than $12 million for cancer research. 

For more information about the chapter, upcoming events, or how to attend a future meeting, click this link or email phibetapsi.xi@gmail.com.