With an estimated 211,240 new breast cancer cases projected for 2005 alone, breast cancer is an issue affecting thousands every day. The USF chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha hosted its first Think Pink fashion show at MOSI on Thursday night. Hundreds of fellow Greeks, friends and family joined the festivity to fight for the cause.

“This philanthropy is different than any other, because usually Greeks do competitions and this isn’t a competition,” said event organizer Kristin Cahill.

She said breast cancer relief has special meaning to all ZTA members.

“Our advisor was diagnosed with breast cancer, so it hits really close to home for all of us,” she said.

Cahill said ZTA was expecting a turnout of a couple hundred people, and the goal was to raise a significant amount of money. She said ZTA invited all Greek organizations, so it was hard for her to estimate exactly how many people would attend, however, hundreds of chairs were set up to enjoy the fashion show.

“I’m looking most forward to seeing the fashions,” said Shirley Stutler, mother of a Chi Omega.

Beginning at 7 p.m. — in the midst of the flight and space exhibitions — black tables with pink ribbons were set up with hors d’ oeuvres, local retailers displayed products for sale and another table was set with items for a silent auction. Guests mingled and listened to music while enjoying the complimentary refreshments.

“I hope we raise a lot a money for a great cause,” said Kristin Potts, a service chair in ZTA who passed out breast cancer awareness information to bystanders.

ZTA joined the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in 1992, and since then has distributed over 9 million shower awareness cards, donated over 1.5 million dollars and passed out countless Think Pink ribbons.

Think Pink is a slogan that ZTA recently earned the rights to, making it the only female organization of its kind to own a slogan.

Half of the girls wore a Think Pink shirt and black pants, while the other half wore black evening dresses. Everyone helped serve food, participated in the fashion show and passed out information.

Co-chair Dawn Reitz has helped Cahill prepare, organize and plan the event since December.

“Dawn has done a wonderful job helping me put this together,” Cahill said. “Tonight is all about having fun and a good time for a worthy cause.”