The UNM Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, in collaboration with Kappa Kappa Gamma, arranged a fundraiser in Zimmerman Plaza on Wednesday to create awareness about breast cancer and to raise money for breast cancer research.
The event consisted of a Bra Pong competition and Hershey’s Kisses sale. Bra Pong cost $2 for three shots and Hershey’s Kisses were on sale for $2, the organizers said.
Leonel Munoz, a junior criminology major and member of Pi Kappa Alpha, said that members of Greek groups were out to create breast cancer awareness and collect money for research.
“We are here to raise as much money as we can and donate that to the Susan G. Komen Research Center. We are out here doing it for a good cause, taking time out of our classes, out of our jobs,” he said.
According to a National Cancer Institute Report, “a woman born today has about a one in eight chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer at some time during her life.”
Munoz said he has experienced the effects of breast cancer through his mother, who has the disease.
“I know how it feels to have a family member who has or had breast cancer. Many of us know someone who has been or is affected by breast cancer,” he said.
He said that the organizers have arranged Bra Pong, an event that has been the No. 1 fundraiser for cancer involvement, to attract more students to the cause.
“I feel like it has been a great turnout. We are feeling really good to be out here. We are talking to students and having fun. Our main focus is to fundraise along with motivating people to get events together and do something together for the cause,” he said.
Munoz said that usually students are busy in their school and personal lives and do not get the time or opportunity to contribute to causes like breast cancer awareness. He said the organizers wanted to provide an opportunity to the students to be a part of the breast awareness campaign and help society.
“We are students here. We are so busy, caught up on our own lives. Even though we got our own responsibilities, there are still other people who suffer through other things and we have had loved ones who suffered that. So the main thing is to do something for your surroundings beside your own needs,” he said.
He said he hoped both of the organizations would raise at least $300.
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“However, our donation really depends on how much students, faculty and staff contribute,” he said.
Sara Summers, a junior communication and political science major, said that it is important for students to get together and form alliances to fight the ongoing threat of breast cancer.
“We want to make a difference and bring joy to the community and help those who are in need,” she said.
Sayyed Shah is the assistant news editor at the Daily Lobo. He can be contacted at assistant-news@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @mianfawadshah.
