October 01, 2019
SIU’s ‘Start Seeing Pink’ October events raise awareness and money for scholarships
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale is adding pink to its color scheme in October in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
A number of special events are planned as the “Support Like a Saluki – Start Seeing Pink’ promotion features billiards and bowling tournaments, a tie-dye event for students, special clothing sales and more.
In addition to raising awareness about breast cancer, the goal is to bring in money for scholarships to benefit students who are affected by breast cancer.
Bowling and Billiards Tournaments set
The Support Like a Saluki Billiards and Bowling Tournaments are set for Oct. 12 at the Student Center and everyone is welcome to participate.
Billiards individual tournament play begins at 11 a.m. The cost is $5 per person.
The nine-pin, no-tap bowling tournament is from 6 to 9 p.m. and participants can play any time during the three-hour block. Individual bowlers pay $20 for three games.
Pre-register for either or both tournaments at Student Center Bowling and Billiards or by calling 618/453-2803 by Oct. 10. Payment can be made at the event via cash or check.
A cash bar is open beginning at 6 p.m.
Order Saluki Strength apparel now
Orders are now being taken for the new Saluki Strength clothing. Maroon T-shirts, long-sleeve shirts and hooded or crewneck sweatshirts, each bearing the Saluki Strength emblem, are available.
Orders will be accepted online through Monday.
Proceeds of the pink clothing sales go to SIU’s Saluki Strength Breast Cancer Scholarship and Endowment Fund.
Apparel will be available for pickup after Oct. 15 at the ID Office in the SIU Student Center.
Tie-dye for students
All SIU students are welcome to make their own “Support Like a Saluki” tie-dye T-shirts. Just bring student ID cards to the Student Services Building Pavilion at 10 a.m. on Oct. 9 to create a personalized shirt, while supplies last. There is no cost to participate but donations are requested.
Working toward an endowed scholarship
In just a few years, the Saluki Strength Scholarship and Endowment Fund has awarded more than $10,000 in scholarships to SIU students who have been affected in some way by breast cancer. Some scholarship recipients have personally battled breast cancer while the spouses, mothers or other family members of other students fought the disease. But all have suffered from the damage it wreaks. You can read their grateful words of appreciation for the scholarship assistance online.
The goal for 2019 is to raise at least $5,000 to get closer to the ultimate goal of establishing an endowment to make the scholarship self-sustaining. The endowed scholarship level will be reached and the scholarship continued into perpetuity if fundraising the next two years brings in $5,000 or more each year.
Donations are being accepted online at salukifunder.siu.edu/pink2019.
All funds raised through the bowling and billiards tournaments and the apparel sales will also go to the scholarship fund.
Local businesses are also providing support
In addition, two local businesses are supporting SIU’s Saluki Strength initiative through dine-and-donate fundraisers.
All day on Oct. 15 Quatro’s Pizza will be donating a portion of their sales via dine-in, carry-out or delivery orders. Patrons need only sign a slip, available at the restaurant or from delivery drivers, to designate that part of their payment go toward the fund.
Throughout the month of October, Don Sol Mexican Grill is selling Saluki Strength apparel at the restaurant. On Oct. 28, a portion of the proceeds of all sales will be donated to the Saluki Strength Scholarship and Endowment Fund.
For additional details
To learn more about SIU’s Start Seeing Pink Saluki Strength campaign and events, visit studentcenter.siu.edu/pink or email tenab@siu.edu.