One Greek organization’s efforts to provide better opportunities for less fortunate children has placed them in prestigious company with other members of the community.The Kappa Alpha Theta sorority will receive the Community Heart Award, annually awarded by the Child Advocates of Tarrant County. The award is presented to a community member or organization that has shown continuous support for the local Court Appointed Special Advocate Association , said Theta president Cori Nemec, a junior finance major.

“Receiving the Community Heart Award is a wonderful honor,” Nemec said. “We are fortunate to have the opportunity to support such a worthy organization and genuinely appreciate this award.”

Child Advocates of Tarrant County is the local chapter of CASA, which is the Thetas’ national philanthropy, and Nemec said the Thetas have donated more than $100,000 to Child Advocates over the past few years. The proceeds raised from the annual Theta Fall Breakaway 5K Run/Walk are donated to Child Advocates to help train volunteers for abused and neglected children, Nemec said.

Anne Peterson, a Theta member, said last year’s Fall Breakaway raised more than $22,000 for CASA. This year’s Fall Breakaway is scheduled for Sept. 16.

“The whole chapter was very excited to hear about the award,” said Peterson, a junior finance major. “We worked really hard to put on a good event.”

Cherine Murray, director of marketing and public relations for Child Advocates, said the Community Heart Award is one of great prestige.

“Large corporations such as IBM have previously received this award,” Murray said.

The Theta sorority will receive its award tonight at the 12th annual Judge Scott Moore awards dinner in Fort Worth.