The Key Magazine Winter 2011 : Page 41Catch the Cure —By Alyssa Vukson , Washington & Jefferson W hen Zeta Lambda Chapter President Sarah Schaitkin stepped up to the plate at the annual Catch the Cure softball tournament, she knew she was participating in far more than a philanthropy event. She was supporting all of those who, like her, had been affected by breast cancer. “My own mother died of breast cancer, so Catch the Cure means a great deal to me,” says Sarah. “As young women, an event that benefits breast cancer research is something that we are naturally inclined to care about and put our hard work toward.” In her lifetime, a woman has a one-in-eight chance of being diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. But for every one woman, it is likely eight more are standing beside her with love and support. Four years ago, Zeta Lambda held its first Catch the Cure tournament at Washington & Jefferson College. “We knew we wanted to create a campus-wide phi -lanthropy event for something that has affected us all,” says Kerri DiGiovanni , who served as chapter President in 2008. “Whether it is a family member, friend or neighbor, we all know someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. It was something we, as a chapter, felt passionate about.” In 2010, the event was declared the “Most Successful Philanthropy” at the campus Greek Awards. Last April, Catch the Cure chairman, Kelsey Del Greco , teamed up with a group of business administration students to take it to another level. A total of 16 softball teams filled Cameron Stadium for the event. Participants included other fraterni -ties and sororities, sports teams, clubs, and many independent students. Scion of the Washington Auto Mall agreed to be a sponsor, providing food, drinks and entertainment for the softball tournament. Guests enjoyed a moon bounce, face painting, and two cars were available to test drive. Family, friends and a number of local pizza restaurants also contributed. This past year, Zeta Lambda raised $6,227 for Susan G. Komen for the Cure.® This event means a lot for our sisters; it strengthens our connection to the community and campus, as well as strengthens our sisterhood bond. And most importantly, as a band of sisters we prove our ability to come together and accomplish goals and benefit the greater good. Out of 16 teams, this team may have won the softball tournament, but everyone felt like a winner for contributing to the Susan G. Komen cause. www.kappa.org • Winter 2011 • The Key • 41 Publication List |
