Philanthropy

Breast Cancer Research and Awareness

Here on the campus of Ohio Northern University, we take part in many service projects,all of which benefit breast cancer research and awareness,our national philanthropy. We also support the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Throughout the year we are seen on campus distributing pink ribbons, and raising money through our Pink Ribbon Football Games, our annual Race for the Ribbon 5K, and volunteering for the Race for the Cure among many other projects. Zeta Tau Alpha has also combined efforts and are now working actively with the NFL. Help support someone you know and love, a mother, sister, cousin, grandmother, or friend, and help us find a cure for Breast Cancer!

In 1928, residents in rural communities of the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia were the first to benefit from ZTA's philanthropic efforts. Zetas aided the people of Currin Valley in Smith City, Virginia, where ZTA established a health center. At the close of the Health Center in 1946, ZTA adopted the Cerebral Palsy Division of the National Society for Crippled Children and Adults. Later, ZTA adopted Easter Seals. In 1970, ZTA formed an alliance with the Association for Retarded Citizens (now known as The ARC) as its national philanthropy. Over the years, in addition to its designated national philanthropy, Zeta Tau Alpha has also supported the Red Cross, the Sunshine Kids Foundation and Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. (RIF).

In 1992, ZTA adopted The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation as its national philanthropy. Later, the Fraternity broadened its focus to encompass not only the Komen Foundation, but also other educational means dedicated to fighting breast cancer through education, awareness and promoting breast health. Furthermore, each alumnae and collegiate chapter generally volunteers with one or more local philanthropy of its choosing in addition to their support of the Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation and ZTA's national philanthropy.

Today, our National Philanthropy is Breast Cancer Education and Awareness.

The THINK-PINK!® campaign is ZTA's pink ribbon distribution for breast cancer awareness. While this program is typically implemented in October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, many chapters promote THINK-PINK!® throughout the year. People wear the ribbons to show awareness of and support for those afflicted with breast cancer, for survivors and in hope for a cure. Since the THINK-PINK!® campaign began in 1997, Zetas have distributed more than a quarter of a million ribbons each year. The ribbons are attached to information cards conveying the message of early detection as the key to survival and a greater quality of life.

In addition to the breast cancer awareness campaigns mentioned above, the Foundation has developed display items, banners, education brochures and volunteer T-shirts. These are available through International Office.

In 2004, the ZTA Foundation was pleased to announce that THINK-PINK!® became a registered trademark of ZTA with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.