SWAK
What is it?
Shop with a Kappa (SWAK) is a holiday event where a Kappa brother(s) is paired with a student (age 5 – 12) to go on a shopping spree. PAC provides the student with a $100 gift card and the brother escorts the student through the store to help with budget, wish list, and time. There is no restriction on what the student can purchase with the gift card however, Brothers are encouraged to keep track of items to ensure the student does not go over the allotted amount.
History
Shop With A Kappa (SWAK) was founded by Brother Rod O’Neal of the Las Vegas Alumni Chapter, inspired by the police department’s “Shop With A Cop” program. In 2012, the Phoenix Alumni Chapter launched its own SWAK initiative, chaired by Brother Emory Flagg, with the first event held at Walmart in South Phoenix and later at Target. Over the past three years, SWAK has been championed by Brother Ronnie Gammage, Guide Right Director and two-time Phoenix Alumni Chapter Kappa Man of the Year.
Funding
The budget for SWAK ranges from $2,000 to $3,000 (depending on the number of participants). These funds are used to purchase $100 gift cards for each student.