The Chanticleer

Issue date: 11/19/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Doran Smith

Driving around Jacksonville, most students have surely seen the great host of pink ribbons that have invaded Jacksonville State University and the town. These ribbons are part of the sorority Zeta Tau Alpha's Think Pink Week.

Think Pink Week is Zeta's newest event raising awareness of breast cancer and money for the research of its cure. "It is the first time we've done it here at JSU, but it has worked well for other chapters around the country," said out-going Zeta president, Kelsey Butler.

Before this year, Zeta used a raffle event to raise money for breast cancer awareness. However, raffling is now illegal in Alabama due a newly passed state law. "We received a letter last semester that said that raffling has been outlawed," said Butler, "so we had to move to another fund-raiser and Think Pink Week has been very positive." "We have been selling the bows for about two or three weeks to faculty, friends and community members, and the girls really seem to enjoy this more."

The bows are $10 with donations welcome, of course. Considering the money will be donated to charity for breast cancer research, tax write-offs are an option when buying a bow.

For three and a half hours, the girls of Zeta tied ribbons around every tree, street sign and telephone pole along Highway 21 that they possibly could. After obtaining permission from the city of Jacksonville and meeting near the town square, the girls divided into four groups and worked their way from the north end of town to the south.

"We did not put any ribbons on signs or trees owned by a business or private home," said Butler, "but a lot of our girls sold to homes and businesses located on the highway."

Think Pink Week will end on Saturday, but not before Zeta has a football game finale ending its new event. "This year, we are selling biodegradable, pink balloons for a dollar," Said Butler. "You hold on to the balloon until the beginning of the game, then we will all go out onto the field and release them. This is something we have done ever year." Pam Torruella, secretary to the Admissions Office and a past breast cancer survivor, will release the first balloon before the football game.

The ribbons are coming down this Sunday, one week after they went up; so get an eyeful while they are still adding some much needed color to your otherwise colorless day. Or, of course, you could still buy one from any member of Zeta to have your day brightened with the necessary shade of pink.

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