During the program, coaches help girls set and reach fitness goals, build self-confidence, and learn how to have healthy relationships with their peers.

Microbiology sophomore and Gamma Phi Beta philanthropy chair Bailey Begley is one of the coaches for the current program.

As a coach, Begley serves as a mentor for the girls and helps them train for the Girls on the Run 5K coming up on May 17.

“The girls really look up to the coaches,” Begley said.

She said she really believes in the message Girls on the Run sends out, which focuses on making girls strong and confident in their abilities.

“I love being a part of it,” Begley said, “advocating it and raising money for it is something that I’m really passionate about.”

She said the reason Gamma Phi Beta organizes the pancake breakfast every year is to make fundraising a little more personal.

Since girls in the sorority have gone through the program and benefited from it, Begley said people will get to know Girls on the Run better if they actually come to the house and hear the sisters talk about it.

“We get to give back to the community and leave our impact as Spartans,” Begley said.

This year the breakfast — which was held this past weekend — raised about $800, which Gamma Phi Beta hopes to supplement with funds from their upcoming Buffalo Wild Wings fundraiser on May 4.

Begley said the Michigan branch of Girls on the Run is fairly new, so the money they raise will help the program get on its feet.