November 12, 2012

‘SIU Go Cold Turkey Bowl’ set for Wednesday

by Jance Staten

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- SIU Carbondale’s Student Health Services Wellness Center is joining up with several campus student groups and area agencies to host the second annual “SIU Go Cold Turkey Bowl” on Wednesday, Nov. 14.

The Turkey Bowl is set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Faner Hall breezeway just north of the Student Center.

The event is held in conjunction with the American Cancer Society’s 37th Great American Smokeout. The Smokeout encourages smokers to make a long-term plan to quit or simply go “cold turkey” for that one day.  The Go Cold Turkey Bowl will take place the day before the Smokeout, serving as a great incentive to encourage smokers to participate in the annual Smokeout as well.

Go Cold Turkey Bowl participants will form teams of two, one smoker and one nonsmoker, and bowl with actual frozen turkeys to demonstrate their commitment to go “cold turkey” for one smoke-free day.

To participate in the turkey bowl, just donate a non-perishable food item or make a $1 contribution.  Donations will purchase additional food items. Smokers may also choose to “adopt a turkey” by contributing $5, in lieu of buying a daily pack of cigarettes.  The adopted turkeys and other food donations will go to local food pantries and shelters.

“This is a win-win opportunity,” said Michelle McLernon, Student Health Services-Wellness Center coordinator. “Money not being spent on a pack of cigarettes but given to support the community’s much-needed food supply will be an extra incentive to not smoke for one day. What a great time of year to redirect our resources to give to others while giving a smoke-free day to ourselves.”

Those who make the “cold turkey” commitment can visit the Wellness Center the following day to receive a Certificate of Achievement.  They will also earn entry into a drawing for a grand prize in honor of their efforts to put an end to their smoking habits.

For more information about the SIU Go Cold Turkey Bowl, contact Michelle McLernon at 618/453-5227 or mlernon@siu.edu.