Tuesday, Nov 8, 2011
The waning days of October also signaled the end of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which came to an exciting close with the annual Zeta Tau Alpha sorority Tricky Tray Basket Auction on October 30.
by Andrea Panno '12
With October at an end, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month has also reached its finish, but not before the sisters of Rider’s Zeta Tau Alpha chapter hosted one last event to support their primary philanthropic cause. Zeta Tau Alpha hosted their sixth annual Tricky Tray Basket Auction on the Lawrenceville campus on Sunday, October 30, in the Daly Dining Hall Banquet Room.
With more than 150 guests in attendance and a plethora of prizes to bid on, friends, families and students alike generously contributed to raise at least $7,000 to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast cancer awareness and education.
“There are many sisters of our chapter that hold the issue of breast cancer dear to their heart, and the passion to raise awareness and money is a commonality each sister of Zeta Tau Alpha embodies,” explained sister Meghan Mende ’12.
With 41 general basket prizes donated by the sisters of Zeta Tau Alpha, supporters were able to bid on items ranging from professional hair-care products and car maintenance to Vera Bradley designer bags and certificates for traditional Italian food. Donations were provided by various restaurants in the Lawrenceville community, as well as jewelry boutiques and the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, N.J.
“This event sparks a lot interest year after year because there is always something for everyone,” event coordinator Katelyn Oliger ’12 explained. “The community was more than eager to donate to our event, and support not only our chapter but our philanthropy, as well.”
Fifteen grand-prize winners were announced during the second half of the evening, with suspense and excitement filling the room. Grand-prize baskets included Michael Kors merchandise, a Movado watch, tickets for the Philadelphia Flyers, New York Giants and New York Jets, autographed sports memorabilia, a 32” flat-screen HD LCD TV, and an iPod Shuffle, with the most anticipated gift of the night being an iPad 2.
“Tricky Tray is an exciting way to raise money and awareness, as well as to get the community involved with Rider University’s student organizations,” said Chelsea Stropoli ’13, ZTA philanthropy chair. “After a successful month of supporting our philanthropy at Race for the Cure, Pinktoberfest, and community fundraisers, Tricky Tray was the ultimate way to end National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.”
For information about Breast Cancer Awareness & Education, please visit http://ww5.komen.org/.