Delta Sigma Theta’s Farwest Region Invests $25,000 in Salt Lake City’s Franklin Elementary School

More than 200 members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated donated $25,000 to Franklin Elementary School in Salt Lake City, part of an IMPACT Day of Service that reached approximately 300 students on September 2, 2026.

The event, themed “P.L.A.Y.: Protecting Little Hearts, Activating You,” opened the Farwest Region’s 55th Regional Conference and marked the region’s return to Salt Lake City for the first time in 31 years. Members led students through Double Dutch, hula hoop competitions and other physical and mental wellness activities from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Child artist and social media personality Van Van opened the day with a performance for the students.

Beyond the $25,000 contribution, the Farwest Region donated new sports equipment and painted a mural on the school’s campus in the days leading up to the event.

“IMPACT Day demonstrated what is possible when sisterhood and service come together with purpose,” said Kimberly Usher, Immediate Past Farwest Regional Director. “Our $25,000 contribution, donated sports equipment, mural and time spent engaging with approximately 300 students represented an investment in the health, confidence and future of the Franklin Elementary community.”

Radiya Ajibade, Immediate Past Farwest Regional Representative, called the turnout of Sorors meaningful, noting that P.L.A.Y. gave children space to be active and build confidence.

Co-Chairs Natalie Hooper of the Portland Alumnae Chapter and Denise Elbert of the Greater Salt Lake City Alumnae Chapter led the planning for IMPACT Day, which carried out Delta Sigma Theta’s Five-Point Programmatic Thrust, particularly its focus on educational development and physical and mental health.