Academics

Students gain experience while supporting Pink Zone and House of Care

Students tour the Civil Engineering Lodge at the Stone Valley Recreation Area in advance of their fundraising event. Credit: Kevin Sliman / Penn StateCreative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State students are gaining unique, hands-on experience planning community events for two nonprofit organizations: Pennsylvania Pink Zone and House of Care.

The events will be the culmination of 15 weeks of planning by Penn State School of Hospitality Management students enrolled in HM 485 Advanced Meetings and Events, who planned the zero-budget events to raise awareness and funds for the organizations.

During the course, students collaborate with a local organization to plan, promote, implement and evaluate a special event. Through the process, the emerging young professionals gain valuable hands-on event planning experience.

Instructor Jackie Golas understands the importance of Penn State students entering the workforce with real-world experience.

"The experience gives students a firsthand opportunity to realize the complexities in creating business value through events, and if the field is a good fit for their career objectives," Golas said.

The first event, Craft for a Cure, will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Nov. 6 at the Civil Engineering Lodge at the Stone Valley Recreation Area, located at 325 Charter Oak Road in Petersburg.

The fundraising and awareness drive will benefit the Pennsylvania Pink Zone in the form of a fall arts and crafts fair.

The event will also provide a platform for breast cancer survivors to share their stories and educate others about breast cancer.

Tickets are $5 for children ages 2 to 13, $10 for individuals age 14 and older, and $25 for a Family 4-Pack. A Family Pack can only be purchased online, in advance. 

Purchase tickets or find more information for Craft for a Cure here.

The Pennsylvania Pink Zone promotes breast cancer awareness and empowers survivors through yearlong efforts to raise funds critical in supporting breast cancer organizations, charities and facilities that focus on breast cancer education, research, diagnosis, prevention and treatment.

“About one in eight U.S. women develop breast cancer within their lifetime, and almost everyone knows someone that has been affected by breast cancer,” said Emily Harbur, one of the students planning Craft for a Cure. “While our event is open to people of all ages, this event is especially for children and their families, in an effort to start education early in a fun and family-oriented way, especially when it may hit close to home for someone in their family.”

The second event, A Tasty Affair Pie Bake-Off, will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 11 at the State College VFW Banquet Hall, located at 139 Barnard St. in State College.

The event will feature pre-selected bakers competing in a pie bake-off. Attendees can taste pies with opportunities to enter raffles to take home their favorite treats. There will also be games and activities the whole family. Bites and beverages will be provided.

Advance tickets online are by named donation price. Tickets purchased at the door are $5 for ages 5 to 18, and $10 for ages 18 and older.

Purchase tickets or find more information for the pie bake-off here.

All proceeds will go directly to House of Care, a small nonprofit personal care home in State College dedicated to serving those with extremely low income, little to no family support, and requiring assistance with activities of daily living.

“A Tasty Affair is an opportunity to enjoy the fun of fall with some tasty pies as we celebrate a great local cause,” said David Geyer, a hospitality management student.

Last Updated November 2, 2016