By Sarah Ninivaggi
TU journalism Student | Sept. 28, 2009
Two Towson organizations transformed the University Union into a spa last week as they cosponsored a day of pampering which raised $2,000 for breast cancer research.
Achot, an aspiring Jewish sorority and TU Goes PINK, a breast cancer awareness group, collaborated to host their fundraiser: “Manicures for a Cure”, which ran from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the Potomac Lounge.
Together the organizations, “raised $2,200 which will be split between Sharsheret, Achot’s philanthropy, and City of Hope, TU Goes PINK’s cause,” said Janna Zuckerman, President of TU Goes Pink.
Manicures, nail art, eyebrow waxes, pink hair extensions, henna tattoos and massages were provided to over 250 Towson students last Monday, said Zuckerman.
Freshman Allie DeNicu0lo receives a manicure at Manicures for a Cure last Monday. Local professionals and students, like Carver student Bianca Fields, volunteered to provide their services at the event. (Photo: Sarah Ninivaggi, Sept. 26.)
Massage Envy performed massages and three local, professional manicurists participated as well.
Services, primarily manicures, were also performed by students from the Carver Vocational-Technical High School, located in Towson. The students are part of a cosmetology program and volunteered their skills to the event.
“They seemed to love working at the event, and they even said we could put them down for next year,” said Zuckerman.
Among the many booths, breast cancer items, like t-shirts, were for sale at the fundraiser. Participants received free shampoo, conditioner and lip-gloss samples after their manicures, and were eligible to participate in a raffle for prizes, like an IPod shuffle.
Vice President of Aschot Amanda Rubin helped to coordinate the event, and was pleased with the day’s outcome.
“I think the event was a huge success. We definitely generated a buzz around campus,” Rubin said. We also were able to raise so much money in just a few hours.”
Sophomore Heidi Barboy attended the event to receive a manicure.
“Breast cancer research is really important,” she said. “I wanted to give money, and have fun too.”
That idea was the driving force behind the idea for the fundraiser.
“This event attracts a lot of college girls, so we knew we could raise a lot of money,” said Zuckerman.
Last year, Achot sponsored the event by itself. Because both groups have a similar desire to support breast cancer research, Zuckerman decided to ask if her organization could get involved in this year’s Manicures for a Cure event.
“The more organizations that sponsor an event, the more people will come,” Zuckerman said. “Last year the event raised $500 and this year it raised $2,200.”
Through this event, Achot and TU Goes PINK were able to contribute to two national health care organizations. Sharsheret, Achot’s cause, supports Jewish breast cancer patients and survivors, according to its website. City of Hope is another nationwide organization which treats patients and researches cures for many life threatening diseases, including cancer, according to its website.
Both Zuckerman and Rubin hope to make Manicures for a Cure a biannual fundraiser.
“We will try to do this event every semester from now on because it is a great way to raise money for a good cause, and Towson students really like participating,” said Rubin.
