Little Pink Ribbons for You and Me
By Lily Stine
You have most likely seen pink ribbons floating around your school or hometown during the month of October. You may have even seen them while watching your favorite NFL team play. You probably know that these ribbons represent breast cancer, but what you may not know is that they also represent Zeta Tau Alpha.
Zeta Tau Alpha is a national Fraternity, with over 238,000 initiated members, all of whom have helped raise money to support Breast Cancer Research and Awareness.
Think Pink® is a registered trademark of Zeta Tau Alpha. The major partnership is between ZTA and the American Cancer Society, who together host the largest network of breast cancer awareness events in the nation. ZTA also teams up with the NFL to distribute pink ribbons as part of its “A Crucial Catch” campaign.
Each chapter hosts its own philanthropic events to raise money toward breast cancer research and awareness. The Theta Tau chapter of UNC-Chapel Hill hosts its biggest philanthropic event, a local 5K race, every spring. Theta Tau’s Franklin 5K is the oldest and biggest 5K in Chapel Hill.
Kylie Norman, Senior, 5K co-chair, said, “ The best part about the Franklin 5K is bringing together the Chapel Hill community around a great cause. Getting the opportunity to meet the people the money goes toward is one of the most rewarding experiences.”
The course is a scenic route through the Chapel Hill campus and surrounding neighborhoods, runners pass iconic landmarks including the Old Well. Prizes are awarded to the top finishers in each age group during the award ceremony after the race ends.
Last year alone, the Theta Tau chapter raised over $64,000 from the race. Over 900 people participated in the 5K and 2,500 t-shirts were sold to friends and family. All of the money raised benefited the Arc of the Triangle, UNC Lineberger Cancer Center, Ashton’s Angels and the Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation.
While this may seem like “just another 5K,” it is so much more than that to all of Theta Tau’s members. Not only does it raise substantial amounts of money for Breast Cancer Research and Awareness each year, but it also supports a foundation close to each of its member’s hearts, Ashton’s Angels.
Annie Scheffer, Junior, Vice President of Ashton’s Angels, said, “I love being a part of Ashton’s Angels because I have a direct connection with the cause. We give back directly to UNC and Duke Hospitals to help college students in our community and I know Ashton would be proud of that.”
Ashton’s Angels is a foundation created in honor of one of Theta Tau’s members, Ashton Miller. Ashton was 22 when she lost her battle with cancer. All money donated to Ashton’s Angels goes toward raising awareness for childhood cancer, supporting the arts, providing scholarships for European travel and helping young adult patients receiving treatment at UNC Hospitals.
While Ashton’s life was tragically cut short, her story is one of hope and inspiration. She will always be a valued member of Zeta Tau Alpha, even to those who never had the chance to meet her. The Franklin 5K is important to all of ZTA because the money raised goes toward a foundation that honors one of their own members.
Mary Elizabeth Bennett, Junior, President of UNC Zeta Tau Alpha, said: “To see all of the members of our chapter come together to support a cause that means so much to each of us on race day is an immeasurable feeling. I am honored to be part of a chapter that devotes so much time and raises more money every year for breast cancer. Zeta’s great dedication to our philanthropy is the main reason I joined the chapter.”
The 27th annual Franklin 5K will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2016. The cost to participate is 20 dollars, and that includes a t-shirt. If you are unable to attend the event but would still like to support these young women, t-shirts can be purchased for 15 dollars or direct donations can be made at their website: franklin5k.com. See you on race day!
