During the month of October, Zeta Tau Alpha (ZTA) holds events to raise money for their philanthropy, Breast Cancer Education and Awareness. During the month, they hold smaller events on campus to lead up to their biggest fall event, Z-Factor.
The members of ZTA are passionate about breast cancer awareness year-round, but especially in October.
“Breast cancer education and awareness is important to me and the other members of our chapter because it is a cause that allows us to be a part of something bigger than ourselves,” said senior Natalie Dente, President of ZTA.
This year, ZTA held their Pink Lemonade and Donuts event on Oct. 6, during which they sold lemonade and donuts to raise money for their philanthropy.
“Our events are a way to come together with a lot of different people on campus and raise money, eat good food and have fun,” said junior Carolyn DeFranco.
ZTA also holds a virtual fundraiser to involve more of the SHU community.
“Other organizations can submit creative videos of their members spreading awareness for our philanthropy to win a donation to a cause of their choice,” said Dente.
However, their biggest event is Z-Factor, a spinoff of the television show X-Factor.
“Members of other organizations, clubs and sports teams sign up to participate in the talent show,” said Dente. “Z-Factor is one of my favorite events because there is always a combination of acts ranging from extremely talented performances to silly crowd-pleasing acts.”
The winner of Z-Factor is offered a donation to the philanthropy of their choice.
“It’s really nice to see people from other organizations get involved in our events,” said junior Gabriella Teutul.
At each event, ZTA takes time to educate participants on the importance of breast cancer awareness.
“We’ve had speakers in the past at Z-Factor and last year we had a video that played before the event,” said DeFranco.
These events also bring the ZTA chapter closer through the planning process.
“There are so many components to making these events happen,” said Teutul. “It really increases participation, because we all have the common goal of spreading our message.”
ZTA also participates in events outside of Sacred Heart, like Breast Cancer walks where they partner with the American Cancer Society. Earlier in the month, members participated in a Making Strides walk.
“At the last walk, we worked at the survivor tent,” said DeFranco. “We helped check them in, gave them goodie bags and sat down with them and got the opportunity to talk to them about their stories.”
For many members of ZTA, the breast cancer walks are a very eye-opening experience.
“Getting to meet survivors and offer them support during their five, 10, or 20 years of remission has been one of the most memorable things I have been able to do as a member of Zeta Tau Alpha,” said Dente.
ZTA will continue to spread their message of breast cancer education and awareness throughout the rest of the month while attending more walks and holding their Z-Factor event on Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. in the Edgerton Theatre.
“As an organization, we will keep fighting until pink is just a color,” said Dente.
