The Michiana chapter of the Beta Chi National Sorority may be a small group, but its numbers belie its impact on the community.

With only 12 active members, the chapter helped the sorority of just 110 total members raise $38,000 for the Autism Speaks charity in a two-year period.

The group, which selects a new national charity to support every two years, has chosen to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital this year.

To help kick off the fundraising, the chapter will be hosting a women’s party at The Shoppe Hair Salon in Niles on Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m.

Dubbed “Open Your Hearts to Charity,” the event is the first of its kind for the sorority. Those in attendance will pay $10 for five tickets for a raffle for free hair, skin and nail services from employees at the salon. Other prizes include gift certificates and gift baskets filled with hair, skin and nail products. There will also be a silent auction and refreshments.

All the money collected that day will benefit the hospital. The employees of The Shoppe Hair Salon are donating their services to the effort.

Deb Hoese, a member of the chapter, said they also support local organizations, including The Salvation Army in Niles by adopting families, collecting food and volunteering at the Thanksgiving meal.

“We’re always looking for different ways to raise money for charity,” Hoese said. “It will be a fun afternoon.”

Next up is a trivia night, called “Surf’s Up for St. Jude,” on March 26 at the Bell Plaza in Niles.