Kappa Xi at Mount Mercy College teams with many groups in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, U.S.A. including Mount Mercy College Department of Nursing, Mercy Medical Center, St. Luke’s Hospital, the Sisters of Mercy, Nurses of Vision and Action, and catering and design businesses to arrange the annual Table Tops on the Hilltop fundraiser. 
Each year, more than 20 businesses, designers, and friends of the Department of Nursing arrange creative table settings and tablescapes for the public to view. Dr. Mary Tarbox, Dean of the Department of Nursing at Mount Mercy College, asked Kappa Xi Chapter in 2002 if they would like to be a partner in the event. Cathy Penn, Kappa Xi member and Associate Professor of Nursing at Mount Mercy College, now chairs the steering committee for the program.
The college’s president, Dr. Christopher R. L. Blake, and his wife, Moira, have joined each year by designing their own table. Over the years, the popularity has resulted in increased participation among other academic departments. Art majors are selected to evaluate the designs and award the “Best of Show”. The 250 attendees vote to identify the “People’s Choice” award while enjoying a refreshments in the Tea Room.
Table Tops on the Hilltop has been a solid fundraiser for Kappa Xi Chapter, and the members enjoy bringing the community together. The next will be held on 14 March 2009 at Betty Cherry Heritage Hall at Mount Mercy College.
View featured table tops