Students at California State University, Stanislaus are embracing the color pink — and breast cancer awareness — this week as part of their Pinktoberfest.
A variety of activities were planned this week in an effort to get CSU Stanislaus students informed about breast cancer and the need for early detection, and as a way to raise money for the American Cancer Society.
Events began on Monday with a Breastival, which included trivia games, bra pong — a game where participants earned points by throwing ping pong balls into different sizes of bras from a variety of distances — and informational booths. One booth had models of breasts for students to practice correct self-examine techniques, said Associated Students Inc. Wellness program assistant Aimie Rivera. One model was of a normal breast and another of a breast with lumps in it, which allowed students to feel the difference.
A featured event of the Breastival was the Boys in Bras fashion show, said Rivera. Men of the Kappa Sigma fraternity donned brassieres of all sizes to raise awareness of male breast cancer.
On Tuesday, the Think Pink Walk allowed students to support breast cancer awareness by completing a walk around campus throughout their day. Thursday will feature a fundraising kickball tournament and the week-long events will come to an end on Saturday at the Warrior’s volleyball game against Cal State Dominguez Hills.
The event is part of the California Collegiate Athletic Association's Dig for a Cure initiative which creates awareness for breast cancer research with funds raised to benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
Joining the efforts for Dig for a Cure include student spirit group Warrior Fanatics as it is promoting and encouraging CSU Stanislaus students to attend the game in support of the event. Students will receive pink spirit beads and raffle tickets to win prizes.
Fans who wear pink for Saturday's volleyball match are admitted with a minimum of $2 donation. The match versus Cal State Dominguez Hills is at 7 p.m. at Warrior Arena.
The breast cancer awareness events were co-sponsored by the ASI Wellness program and sorority Delta Phi Gamma. The university traditionally holds an awareness event every October, but this is the first year a week has been dedicated for breast cancer awareness.
“We just got such positive feedback last year,” Rivera said. “Most people know someone who is affected by it (breast cancer).”
To contact Kristina Hacker, e-mail khacker@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2004.
