VT ZTA Raises Over $80,000 During Pink Week 2023

Megan Reese

November 2023

Zeta Tau Alpha thinks pink each and every day, but for one week during the year, they go all out. Pink Week, ZTA at Virginia Tech’s annual philanthropy week in support of Breast Cancer Awareness And Education was Oct. 15-22 throughout the Blacksburg campus.

“Seeing a group of girls come together for a common goal, something that is much bigger than all of us,” said Arley Lausin, ZTA Philanthropy Chair. “It is really special to see.”

Throughout the week, ZTA put on several events, ranging from fundraising booths at Turner Place to a Women’s Health Brunch at the Virginia Tech Inn.

From Monday through Thursday, Zeta had a booth outside of Turner Place, with sisters selling raffle tickets, t-shirts, offering the opportunity to pie a Zeta, and of course handing out ribbons.

There were also percentage nights at two Blacksburg favorites; Zeppoli’s on Monday, Oct. 16 and Jersey Mike’s on Wednesday, Oct. 18. A percentage of every order became donations for Pink Week. Friday, Oct. 20 was Pinktoberfest, one of the week’s most anticipated events. Designed as a field-day-style event held at the Oak Lane Fishbowl, there were relay races, food trucks, and a dunk tank where you could pay to dunk a Zeta.

The Women’s Breast Health Survivors Brunch was held at the Virginia Tech Inn on Saturday, Oct. 21. The event hosted survivors who spoke about their stories, journeys and the impact on women’s health.To close the week was the Pink Up the Pace 5K on Sunday, Oct. 22 starting at the Blacksburg Farmers Market. Hundreds of people ran or walked the race, including Zeta sisters, participating organizations, and members of the Blacksburg community.

“Every donation counts, and I really do mean that,” Lausin said. “If you’re donating a dollar, or if you’re just showing up, showing your support and spreading the news, that’s all it takes.” Every donation did count, because with the support of the community ZTA raised over $80,000 throughout the week. Every dollar raised from the events, and donations from the community, family and friends went towards the incredible cause. Every penny ZTA raised will be distributed to the three national partners of ZTA: American Cancer Society, National Football League’s Crucial Catch, and Bright Pink.

“I want to ensure that everyone is aware of their risk and that we do our best to help contribute to the fight,” said Julia Monahan, Chapter President of ZTA. “I want our excitement and passion to convey to other people because this [disease] affects so many women.”

1 in 8 to be exact, and Zeta Tau Alpha will not stop fighting until it is none in 8.