Ten years ago, a Gustavus student was dealing with breast cancer in her family and decided to make a difference. She was determined to get involved and found that her sorority, Delta Phi Omega, was a great place to start. The Deltas decided to support the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and each year the sorority’s involvement to raise funds for the foundation continues to increase.
This Sunday, Nov. 1 at 11:00 a.m. in Alumni Hall, a benefit will be held that is sponsored by the Deltas. The benefit is to raise awareness about breast cancer and is a chance for people to get involved in raising money for the cause.
Senior Communication Studies Major and member of Delta Phi Omega Alex Brakke is a co-chair for the Breast Cancer Benefit. The people who put the benefit on are very thrilled to be a part of it.
“Our benefit consists of social time, a silent auction, a lunch and speakers who come to discus their experiences of fighting breast cancer. People who had loved ones with cancer or representatives from Susan G. Komen also attend [the event]. It’s a time to bring awareness to breast cancer, and we do all we can to make it fun yet informational,” Brakke said.
Every year this benefit is held, donations are collected and the money is used for various purposes. Last year, the Deltas’ efforts raised over $10,000 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.The funds help co-sponsor pre-benefit events such as Pink Day, which was recently held in the Market Place.
“I think it’s important to represent this benefit because it’s something that is a big issue. Breast Cancer is such a big ordeal and it needs to be represented locally, nationally and world-wide. To help represent our benefit as a Delta is letting me help in a little way but with a big outcome,” Brakke said. “It’s not just about raising money for the organization, but it’s about awareness, support and a reality that people need to see what happens to everyone around us.”
Tickets for the event, as well as T-shirts which help support the cause, can be purchased outside of the Market Place. Attendance for the benefit is encouraged for both students and faculty members, as this benefit is for a great cause.