Pink Event Success

Cinco de Pink campaign tops past fundraising

Courtesy:  Las Cruces Bulletin
Bulletin Staff Report

New Mexico State University Aggies Are Tough to Wear Pink (TETWP) organizers have closed the books on their 2011 campaign and report a total $570,581 in cash and in-kind contributions will be presented to Cowboys for Cancer Research.

This total reflects $22,465 in additional contributions made by local business, schools and individuals after the $548,116 check presentation made during halftime of NMSU’s annual Tough Enough to Wear Pink football game in October.

This marks an 8.6 percent increase over the 2010 total of $525,439 and brings the volunteer group’s five-year cash and in-kind fundraising total to more than $2.3 million.

“One hundred percent of the cash we raise, after operational expenses, is invested in endowments created by our partners, Cowboys for Cancer Research,” said TETWP co-chairs Laura Conniff, Pat Sisbarro, Magellia Boston and Mary Henson in a joint statement. “It is the interest income from these endowments that help fund the amazing breast cancer research being done here at New Mexico State University and the UNM Cancer Center.” Significant in the additional contributions were $10,940 raised by Las Cruces Public Schools students and administrators and $15,793 from the Gadsden Independent School District. Kevin Davis, president of the Cowboys for Cancer Research board of directors, said the $570,581 represents more than money.

“It represents the continuing commitment of a wonderful group of volunteers lead by Pat, Laura, Magellia and Mary,” Davis said. “More than that, it represents the kindness and generosity of sponsors like Memorial Medical Center, MountainView Regional Medical Center, NMSU and the people of Las Cruces and Doña Ana County.”