Zeta Tau Alpha to host 'Think Pink Week' for breast cancer awareness

For Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, October is more than just Breast Cancer Awareness month –  it's also the chance to spread the word of their philanthropy.

Sorority president Nicole Basilico explained the group's connection to breast cancer education and awareness, saying Oct. 13-19 is a big week for the ZTA philanthropy, as the sorority prepares for Think Pink Week.

“During this week, we have a yogurt eating contest, a bra making contest and a ‘best chest’ contest,” the Macomb senior said in an email. “This is where guys with no shirts are painted with a breast cancer symbol on them and walk around campus asking for spare change.”

Basilico said there will also be a pageant for men on campus as well as a T-shirt sale all week.

“Our big event is our crown classic 5K run/walk that we do in the spring," Basilico said. "Last year, we raised more than $20,000 at this event alone. We have contests and auction off donated baskets."

Director of Philanthropy and Commerce Township junior Katie Wimmer said there are different events each day of Think Pink Week.

“Monday is ‘Spuds for Buds,’ or our annual baked potato bar, Tuesday is best chest, Wednesday we are passing out ribbons and shower cards on campus, Thursday is the yogurt eating contest and Friday is the first annual male beauty pageant,” Wimmer said in an email.

The shower cards show how to do self-breast examinations and the ribbons represent the fight against the disease.

Wimmer said she has been involved with ZTA for four years, and this is her first year as director of their philanthropy.

“I have always been really passionate about it,” she said. “It’s a great organization to get involved in and it can affect anyone.”

Basilico said the most important thing to a sorority or fraternity is their philanthropy, and she loves the chance to spread the word about breast cancer awareness.

“Breast cancer education and awareness is such a huge philanthropy around the nation, and I feel so blessed to be a part of Zeta Tau Alpha to help people with breast cancer,” she said. “Helping someone else out is way more important than helping out yourself.”

Wimmer said she thinks it is important for people to know and understand the impact of breast cancer.

“I think this is extremely important to let people know the importance of breast cancer," she said. "For example, the shower cards are really awesome to pass out. That's a simple way (to inform) women they can check themselves all the time"