Eastern PBL Community Service Project Wins
(Press Release 7-16-04)
Hank Mooney, Office of Public Information

“Cancer touches the lives of everyone. No one is immune, no one escapes. We all know someone who has survived or been a victim of cancer. The increasing incidence of cancer in Oklahoma and specifically Latimer County, led members of the Lamba Lamba chapter of Phi Beta Lambda to adopt the American Cancer Society for its community service project.”

Eastern Oklahoma State College’s business club competed and came home with first place honors at the 2004 National Leadership Conference in Denver, Colorado. The event recognizes PBL chapters that successfully implement community service projects to serve the citizens of the community.

Members submitted a written report for the national competition. Upon arrival in Denver, a team of three Eastern students including Lindy Morgan, Wilburton; Jackie Caughern, LeFlore; and Jeremy Pebley, Wilburton presented a two-minute preliminary round oral abstract of the project. Eastern’s team was selected to compete in the final round as one of the top ten teams.

Eastern’s PBL participated in several activities during 2003-2004 to promote awareness of cancer and support of survivors. Chapter members conducted a fundraiser in 2003 with proceeds donated to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life; formed a team and participated in Wilburton’s 2003 Relay for Life; promoted Breast Cancer Awareness Month; supported local cancer survivors; conducted a fundraiser in 2004 with proceeds donated to the American Cancer Society; and formed a team and participated in Wilburton’s 2004 Relay for Life.

On April 12, 2003, PBL members set up an inflatable moon jump in downtown Wilburton The jump was held in conjunction with an American Cancer Society garage sale. For $1, anyone could jump in the moon jump for five minutes. More than $100 was raised.

The 2003 Relay for Life was held April 25-26, at the Wilburton High School track. PBL members joined over 100 people from the area in the walk. The Relay for Life’s message is that cancer can be conquered. The theme was ignited as the event began with the cancer survivor’s lap. More than $24,000 was raised.

On October 22, 2003, PBL members set up booths on campus in Mitchell Hall and the Student Union promoting breast cancer awareness. Members made displays using poster board and made more than 250 ribbons. The pink ribbons and brochures were distributed to more than 100 people.

PBL members wanted to do something special for local cancer survivors during the holiday season. Members decided to donate monies to purchase pink roses—the symbol of perfect happiness—to give to local survivors. Committee members worked with Talbot’s to arrange for delivery on December 12.

As the cold winds began to blow and drops of moisture fell from the darkening skies, members of Eastern’s PBL brought smiles to many area cancer survivors as they delivered pink roses and holiday wishes. When the bill for the roses was received, the amount owed was $121—the exact amount collected from members!

PBL sponsored a dance—Bust A Move on Cancer—and a pool tournament in January with all proceeds going to the Relay for Life.

Committee members discussed the idea of holding a Pie in the Face event to raise money. Members went from building to building on campus visiting with faculty and staff to get their reactions. They were favorable. The committee visited with local merchants to acquire donations. Posters and flyers were made to advertise the event.

On February 25, more than 20 faculty, staff and student senate officers took a pie in the face as they braved a brisk February afternoon to allow pie tins filled with whip cream to be smashed in their faces!

From baseball players to children—all stood in line to smash a pie in the face of their favorite “victim.” Nearly $430 was raised during the event from pies thrown and donations! Certificates of appreciation were sent to all faculty, staff and student senate officers who participated.

Finally, it was time for the 2004 American Cancer Society Relay for Life. The Relay was scheduled for April 30th and May 1st. However, turbulent weather postponed the walk until May 21–22. Eastern State classes were completed and many students had moved home. But the dedication of Eastern PBL members was evident as 20 members returned for the walk. From putting up the tent, participating in the reading of cancer survivors and victims’ names during the luminary ceremony, to walking around the track from 6 p.m. until 7 a.m., Eastern members were diligent in their participation.

During the Spring and fall of 2003, and Spring 2004, all Eastern PBL members participated in the activities. From making posters, designing flyers, and hanging posters, to making ribbons, distributing brochures, and collecting donations for the relays, Eastern’s PBL led campus organizations in participation.

Chapter members may never know the true impact the chapter projects had on others.

“We do know the impact it had on our lives,” committee chair Jackie Caughern said. “From realizing the frightening statistics concerning cancer, to participating in the relays, each member grew in awareness of community.”

One recipient of a pink rose wrote a thank you to the chapter. She said “Thank you for remembering me—we need a lot of survivors.” A record of more than $30,000 was raised during the 2004 Relay for Life. Eastern’s chapter of PBL raised more than $1,200.

The real heroes of the community service project are those unknown cancer victims and survivors who may be helped in some way because of their participation in and donation to the American Cancer Society.

Caption Info:

Jeremy Pebley, Wilburton, Jackie Caughern, LeFlore, and Lindy Morgan, Wilburton, placed first in the Community Service Project event at the 2004 PBL National Leadership Conference in Denver, Colorado.