SUU Joins Power in Pink Fundraiser

Published: November 20, 2020 | Author: Savannah Byers | Read Time: 2 minutes

With a goal of encouraging Southern Utah University faculty, staff, and students to get further involved in the community, Dr. Jean Boreen, dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, challenged SUU’s colleges to participate in the Power in Pink fundraiser walk/run this October. Power in Pink was founded in 2013 by four local breast cancer survivors- some of whom have since passed away- to raise support and create unity for local women fighting breast cancer.

In honor of Dean Boreen's commitment, committee members Robyn Brown, Rachelle Hughes, Donna Law, Deena Marchal, and Cynthia Kimball-Davis decided to create an "SUU Superheroes" traveling trophy. Thanks to Dr. Boreen's challenge, SUU had its largest number of participants at the October 10 event, making it the most successful in the organization's 8 year history.

“I am so pleased that we were able to make a positive difference for the Power in Pink Fundraiser,” said Dr. Boreen. “My father died of cancer so I know the impact it can have on families and that is why I am so passionate about supporting events like Power In Pink. Plus, the women running the event are a dynamic group and further inspired me to issue the challenge to my dean colleagues here at SUU.”

Each year the trophy will be passed to the SUU college with the most participants at the annual Power in Pink event. This year, the College of Health Sciences earned the trophy with their impressive turnout of nursing students at the event.

“I am proud of the Nursing students and College of Health Science faculty that participated in the Power in Pink Fundraiser,” said Dr. Camille Thomas, interim dean of the college of health sciences. “Their participation was a selfless act that promotes sustainability in health, wellness, and quality of life, and while small, will change the world.”

Hosted during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the 8th annual Power in Pink fundraiser was a big hit. In addition to handing out t-shirts, organizers also handed out face masks and encouraged social distancing to keep the event safe for everyone. Participants were welcome to either walk or run in the 5k, enjoy food from Smith’s, and explore the sponsor’s booths around the park.

Since it began, Power in Pink - Iron County has raised over $15,000 through sponsorships by Ernie’s, Smith’s, SUU Alumni & Community Relations, the Iron County School District, and Myriad Genetics. As a result, over $10,000 has been utilized to support local breast cancer patients as they go through treatment with things like financial assistance, prescriptions, fuel cards and other forms of assistance.

SUU will continue this effort in May of 2021 by hosting the 10th annual Pink Tea event to raise money to support kids at Camp Kesem. Camp Kesem is a camp led by college students that supports children whose parents have undergone cancer diagnoses. The event will be added to the SUU Events calendar once finalized.

To learn more, contact powerinpinkcedarcity@gmail.com  or visit their Facebook page.

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Tags: College of Health Sciences College of Humanities and Social Sciences

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