The Phi Theta Chi Sorority will be hostng the Beth Kunce Memorial Walk from 1-3 p.m. on March 29 in honor of a sister, Beth Kunce, who passed away six years ago.
“Beth loved volunteering with Special Olympics,” said Jenna Dabler, Community Service Chair, Phi Theta Chi Sorority, and event coordinator. “In recognition of that, the money raised will benefit Special Olympics of Minnesota.”
Kunce was found in the state of cardiac arrest on Oct. 5, 2003, and was rushed to Oregon State Hospital in Salem, Oregon on where she was in a coma for four days before dying of heart failure at the age of 22.
She was a senior at Winona State.
In her sorority, Kunce held the position of Historian and was made alumni of the society in December 2002.
Kunce was also active in the Therapeutic Recreation/Recreation Club, where she was co-president for a semester and in intramural volleyball and softball.
Along with her extracurricular activities, Kunce traveled. She was part of the Pacific Challenge in New Zealand and Australia. Kunce is remembered in her sorority for a dance she made, The Beth Dance, which she is said to have taught to a whole bar in New Zealand.
The current Phi Theta Chi sisters have never met Kunce.
“We do it for tradition, to honor Beth because she meant so much to the sorority when she was here…because she died so suddenly, it helps to raise awareness as well.” commented Alison Dockter, Phi Theta Chi’s treasurer.
In the past, Phi Theta Chi has also put on events at Kunce’s favorite Winona bar, where activities and competitions were held. They also raised money for Special Olympics of Minnesota.
With the hope to raise awareness for both charity and Kunce, the sorority created The Beth Kunce Memorial Walk that will be held on Winona State’s main campus.
Phi Theta Chi’s hope to raise over $300. All of the money will go directly to Special Olympics of Minnesota, the charity Kunce supported most.
“Brandon Rompa and Timmy Johnson will be playing music at the Beth Kunce Memorial Walk,” said Dabler. “There is a prize of a $50.00 gift card which will go to whoever raises the most money.”
For more information and pledge forms, contact Phi Theta Chi at phi_theta_chi@yahoo.com or call Jenna Dabler at JMDabler6924@winona.edu.