From Oct. 3 to Oct. 8, Zeta Tau Alpha’s Think Pink Week took over campus to support Breast Cancer Awareness month. Throughout the month of Oct., numerous organizations host events, fundraisers, etc. to benefit breast cancer awareness, however, ZTA has been consistently hosting Think Pink Week on campus the past few years. The purpose of Think Pink Week is to not only raise funds but to also bring awareness to the heartbreaking disease of breast cancer. Throughout the week, the sorority hosted numerous events that truly had Monmouth University “thinking pink.”
ZTA’s national philanthropy is Breast Cancer Awareness and Education. To support its philanthropy, the sorority hosts numerous fundraisers throughout the year such as Big Man on Campus, Think Pink Volleyball Tournament, Pink-Out football and basketball games, and attends the Think Pink Giants and Jets tailgate’s to raise money. ZTA also participates in many walks and other annual breast cancer awareness events.
On Oct. 5, ZTA started off with a pink bake sale. On Oct. 6, ZTA and Shadow PR Firm and PRSSA Chapter teamed up for an annual campus event, Fall Into Pink. The two organizations took over the patio at the Rebecca Stafford Student Center to host activities such as pie a Zeta Tau Alpha, pumpkin painting, and hands for hope. Melissa Crosta, a senior communication major and sister of ZTA said, “Pie a Zeta is a crowd favorite, people come in and pie their friends and girlfriends. It’s such a simple but effective fundraiser.”
Members of PRSSA held a bake sale, a ribbon making station, and sold bracelets that read “PRSSA Think’s Pink.” Adjunct Professor of Communication Alexis Nulle, the advisor of PRSSA said, “It is so great to see to different campus organizations come together for one great cause, I am very proud.”
Lisa Jacobs, a senior communication major who is not only an executive board member of PRSSA, but also a sister of ZTA followed up with Nulle’s comment by saying, “I’m so lucky to be a part of the two organizations, I really hope this week can make a difference in someone’s life.”
On Oct. 7., ZTA promoted a campus-wide pink out in hopes to draw attention to the cause. The campus was flooded with students wearing pink. A different aspect of Think Pink week this year was the volleyball tournament. They sorority held a volleyball tournament in the past and decided to bring it back this year. The tournament was held on Oct. 8., in Boylan Gym from 6-9 p.m. To form a team of six, the cost was $30, which benefitted breast cancer organizations. 20 teams participated ranging from sports teams to Greek life and to students who love a little competition. The crowds gathered to participate and watch the fun, lighthearted event and really brought the campus together.
ZTA is wrapping up their Think Pink Week at the New York Giants football game. They will be teaming up with other chapters of ZTA located in NJ to sell breast cancer gear at the tailgate while spreading awareness.
ZTA’s Think Pink Week continues to grow in success every single year. This year, the sisters have raised approximately $900 all of which will be donated to breast cancer research and education. While ZTA’s money will be donated to research and education, the money Shadow PR and PRSSA raised at Fall Into Pink will be donated to Mary’s Place By The Sea, a retreat for women with terminal cancer. Colby Mura, a junior communication major and PRSSA executive board member said, “We worked with Mary’s Place By The Sea last year and they were such a great organization, we wanted to continue our partnership with them because they do such great things for so many people.” Both ZTA and PRSSA will be hosting events benefitting cancer research in the spring.
PHOTO COURTESY of Brier Hawkins
