September 15, 2016
‘Start Seeing Pink 2016’ kicks off Sept. 26
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Saluki maroon will share the spotlight with “pink” as Southern Illinois University Carbondale recognizes Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The month-long “Start Seeing Pink 2016” observance features a variety of special activities and promotions designed to increase breast cancer awareness and raise funds to provide scholarships and other assistance to SIU students affected by breast cancer.
“Start Seeing Pink” formally begins with a kick-off event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 26 at the north entrance of the Student Center. Music, food, giveaways and more are in store for participants with events continuing throughout October.
The online Saluki Pink apparel store is open and accepting orders now. SIU student McKenzie Dorris designed the 2016 pink event logo. Orders are through Silkworm and all proceeds go to the Saluki Strength Breast Cancer Scholarship. Ordered items can be picked up at the Student Center. People who pre-order by Sept. 26 can pick up their items Oct. 3 in order to have them for most of the month’s special activities. Those who place orders prior to the final Oct. 10 deadline will be able to pick up items Oct. 17.
All month long, anyone can make a $1 donation to the campaign at the Student Center, Student Recreation Center or Morris Library and write on a pink ribbon their own name or the name of someone they care about who has been affected by breast cancer.
The “Start Seeing Pink Dine to Donate” program is new in 2016 and goes on all month long. Numerous restaurants throughout the region are participating, pledging to donate a portion of their sales on specified days to the scholarship fund. A booklet listing participating eateries includes printable coupons that people will need to take to the restaurants to assure the sales proceeds will go to the Saluki Strength Breast Cancer Scholarship. Booklets will be available at tables during pink events along with locations in Morris Library, the Student Center and the Student Recreation Center. Booklet pdfs are also available online at http://studentcenter.siu.edu/activities/pink.php.
The second annual Great Adventures Quarter Auction will be at 7 p.m. on Oct. 15 at the Student Center, featuring adventure-themed auction items along with gift cards and other prizes. Organizers have already collected numerous items but additional contributions are welcome. Participants can bid on items with quarters or, for $25, purchase an “all-in” paddle for a chance to win on each item. Additional details will be posted online.
Students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to wear their “Saluki Pink” attire and join together at 11:50 a.m. on Oct. 19 on the lawn of Morris Library to form a giant living pink ribbon. Photos will be taken of this breast cancer awareness event.
The popular Big Pink Volleyball will return to campus at 5 p.m. on Oct. 27 at the Student Recreation Center. Just as the name implies, it’s a fun student game of volleyball played with a giant pink ball.
A variety of other events is planned across campus as well. Find the complete schedule, additional details, and information about the Saluki Strength Breast Cancer Fund scholarship and previous scholarship winners online at www.studentcenter.siu.edu/pink. Also posted are photos from 2015 and online donation forms people can use to contribute to the scholarship fund.
Three students received $1,250 scholarships to be used this fall from the proceeds of last year’s Start Seeing Pink. Recipients are Rachel Boehmert, Stephanie Mueller and Elizabeth Andrews.
People participating in any of the pink events can use #salukistrength to share their experiences or submit photos through the website. For more information about Start Seeing Pink, as well as how to donate or get involved through volunteer opportunities, contact Beth Alongi at 618/453-7103 or balongi@siu.edu.