Last week UNCW’s Communication Studies Society held its sixth annual Rock for the Cure event, a benefit for local breast cancer patients, at the Reel Cafe. Supporters of the event enjoyed live rock n’ roll music by The Schoolboys, a silent auction and a raffle.

The Communication Studies Society has raised thousands of dollars throughout the past six years-over $5,000 in 2011 alone-for the Pink Ribbon Project.

Jennifer Chin, UNCW senior lecturer and communication studies faculty advisor, has worked since May with three nominated student coordinators to make the 2012 event an equal success, currently coming in at over $5,400 with final numbers still to be determined.

Chin said she felt honored to be a part of the event every year.

“I didn’t previously know anyone with breast cancer until I began working on this event, but I’ve had the privilege of meeting some of the most amazing and courageous women over the last six years, and because of them, I feel I have a responsibility to make this event more successful each year, so I’m really excited that each year’s coordinators keep meeting that challenge,” Chin said.

“It’s a great opportunity, but it’s a lot of hard work,” said Victoria Humphrey, a student coordinator.

But the three coordinators-Humphrey, Joy Ellis and Amanda Miller-agree that it’s all worth it to be able to help the cause.

All the funds raised will be donated to the Pink Ribbon Project, a New Hanover Regional Medical Center foundation, dedicated to helping local breast cancer patients. Proceeds from the organization help provide mammogram screenings to uninsured women in the area.

In addition, the Pink Ribbon Project gives “Comfort Bags” to patients, which includes items like pillows, blankets and books to help during cancer treatment. Stephania Bloodworth, business manager for the organization, said that they have given over 5,326 bags to local women.

“Just remember that when you purchase that raffle ticket or when you bid in that auction, you’re participating in our community,” Bloodworth said to the Rock for the Cure crowd.

The raffle and auction featured big prizes like VIP Smokey Robinson tickets, a $50 Oceanic gift card and golf passes, all provided by 64 sponsors and donors.

Communications Studies Society members not only volunteer at the event, but use their public relations and sales skills to help find the businesses who donate.

“It’s nice to see the community back us up,” Amanda Miller said.

Rick Olsen, a lucky UNCW communication studies professor, won four prizes at the raffle. Olsen is an original member of The Schoolboys, the band that played at the event. Including Olsen, the band is composed of five UNCW faculty members-Bill Bolduc, Frank Trimble, James Hunt, and Bill DiNome.

The Schoolboys have played Rock for the Cure all six years and will continue in the future.

“It’s definitely one of the gigs we look forward to all year,” Olsen said.. “The energy is great, the crowd is great, and there is something different every year. It’s always a highlight to party for a purpose.”

This year’s Rock for the Cure was held on the rooftop of the Reel Cafe, a special treat for the band and audience.

Bill DiNome, another band member and UNCW’s student media coordinator, thinks the event is both great fun and well organized.

“It’s great that it’s brought out the young people, not only for the cause, but to make it a celebratory event,” DiNome said.

Faculty advisor Chin agrees that the affordable $5 per ticket price, compared to other benefits, allows the event to be geared to the campus community so students can show their support and make a difference without “breaking the bank.” 

Several people spoke at Rock for the Cure to thank the audience for their support. Cancer survivor and UNCW mom Whitney Vogel told her story to the crowd, and Dewayne Eastman spoke about Guardians for the Ribbon, a group of firefighters dedicated to spreading support to women with cancer.

Eastman said he wears pink in honor of women everywhere, not just breast cancer patients.

“If they’re healthy and strong, us men are healthy in strong,” Eastman said as the crowd cheered.

Overall, the participants and those involved are proud to see the community come together for a great purpose.

“It’s almost surreal to know the event is over, but I’m thankful I got to be a big part of Rock for the Cure and the great cause it supports, which is breast cancer,” said student coordinator Joy Ellis. “Though I will not be a student at UNCW when the next Rock for the Cure takes place, I’m looking forward to continuing my support and attending the event next year!”