Philanthropy and service play a major role in the life of a Zeta Tau Alpha member. It is one of the most important and fun aspects of sorority life that allows our members to participate in something bigger than themselves. Since adoption as the Fraternity's national philanthropy in 1992, the focus of Breast Cancer education and awareness has brought enthusiastic support from alumnae and students, whose mothers, grandmothers, sisters and friends have been touched by the disease. Whether or not our members have a personal connection, we live through each other’s connections and stories, which reinforces how strong our sisterhood is.
War Eagle! My name is Olivia Brothers, and I am serving as Vice President of Philanthropy and Service for The Gamma Rho Chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha. As members of Zeta Tau Alpha, we take pride in our dedication to serving our local community and beyond. Our national philanthropy is Breast Cancer Education and Awareness. All proceeds raised from our philanthropic events benefit the ZTA Foundation, funding scholarships, educational, and leadership development programming. We also encourage everyone to Think Pink through breast cancer education and awareness efforts, including our partnerships with the BCRF, the NFL, and the American Cancer Society. Zeta's national mission is to Think Pink, and we distribute thousands of pink ribbons to the local community each year, aiming to raise awareness about a cause that affects many. By spreading the message of breast cancer education and awareness, ZTA sisters are determined to diminish this disease. The fight is more than a ribbon; it's our mission.
The Gamma Rho chapter remains a top fundraising chapter nationally and locally within the Greek community. We were recently awarded the Greek Life Excellence Award in Philanthropic Programming! I am proud to announce that last school year, we raised over $180,000. We fundraise through our two main events. Big Man on Campus in the spring, where Auburn organizations have the opportunity to nominate a contestant to represent them in rounds, including an opening number, talent, formal wear, and an on-stage question. Our fall event is the Crown Classic golf tournament, held during Parents' Weekend. This year, the event will take place on Sunday, September 14, at 8:00 a.m. The tournament is hosted at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Grand National. We invite all our families and friends to participate in this event. Beyond our main events, we take pride in our dedication to serving the community. We recently took home the Anne Winnes Redmond Service Award at the ZTA Convention. This is the highest philanthropy award given, demonstrating the commitment this chapter has to serving.
Olivia Brothers, Director of Philanthropy
OUR EVENTS:
Every spring, Gamma Rho holds their annual all-male beauty pageant where local celebrities judge contestants on personality, Auburn spirit, talent, and an on-stage question. All other Greek organizations submit a contestant, making it a fun and rewarding way for the entire campus to be involved in our event. This past Spring, we raised over $125,000 for the ZTA Foundation, benefiting breast cancer education and awareness through our Big Man on Campus event.
Every fall, Auburn Zeta arranges a golf tournament to gather funds for our philanthropy. It provides a delightful opportunity to involve the community and families, with participation not only from our members but also from their fathers and brothers. This past Fall, we raised over $50,000 for the ZTA Foundation, benefiting breast cancer education and awareness through our annual Crown Classic event.
Every year, Zeta partners with various Auburn Athletics teams to host "Pink Out” games, where we distribute fact cards and pink ribbons to promote Breast Cancer Awareness and Education. These are usually at basketball and volleyball games, so it's an additional fun time to spend with your sisters.
10k in a Day- Is our biggest push fundraiser day! During this day, we invite our community to join us in getting ready for BMOC by celebrating all day long with prizes, treats, games, contests, and more! Our members spend the entire day reaching out to potential donors and promoting our main event. This year, we were able to raise over $38,000 in less than 24 hours!
Part of our mission is to educate the community about breast cancer and raise awareness. One way we accomplish this is by hosting multiple events throughout the year where we distribute our Think Pink ribbons on campus and explain Zeta Tau Alpha’s philanthropic mission. It’s such an honor walking around and seeing our pink ribbons everywhere, and it serves as a constant reminder that this is bigger than us! It’s not just a ribbon, it’s our mission to make the 1 in 8, none in 8!
OUR PHILANTHROPY NATIONALLY
Think Pink® - Think Pink® is the umbrella theme for all of our breast cancer education and awareness projects. Chapters distribute Think Pink® ribbons, breast self-examination (BSE) calendar stickers, and breast health tip cards throughout the year.
National Think Pink Partners Zeta Tau Alpha partners on a national level with several prestigious organizations in the fight against breast cancer.
American Cancer Society® - Through our premier partnership with the American Cancer Society®, ZTA is the National Survivor Ambassador of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer®. At the nearly 300 Making Strides walks held each October in communities across the country, Zetas provide assistance and focus on survivor recognition. Over time, we will help grow the survivor recognition program at these events.
Breast Cancer Research Foundation® - ZTA also funds innovative research with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, whose mission is to prevent and cure breast cancer by advancing the world’s most promising research.
National Football League - Since 1999, Zeta Tau Alpha alumnae and collegiate members have worked with all 32 NFL teams to increase awareness of breast cancer at professional football games. ZTA is an official fan outreach partner of the National Football League. Beginning with the Washington Football team in 1999, Zetas have helped spread the message of breast cancer awareness to over 5 million football fans nationwide.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month - October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and across the country, members of Zeta Tau Alpha hold special events to increase awareness about early detection and to raise funds for education and research.
Pink Out - Each year, Zeta Tau Alpha chapters across the country host Think Pink® or Pink Out games with their university athletic departments to raise awareness for breast cancer.