Chapter Philanthropy and Service
Our Founders committed themselves to “service to the world and to those within and without our circle,” and for the past 20 years, ZTA has devoted our philanthropic efforts to fighting breast cancer through education, awareness, and research, and by promoting breast health. Over the past two years, Zeta Tau Alpha has raised $6 million dollars Nationwide and distributed 1.5 million pink ribbons to help support the fight against Breast Cancer. Most recently, ZTA has joined with the NFL as an Official Fan Outreach Partner in the NFL's "A Crucial Catch" campaign.
Philanthropy and service play a major role in the life of our chapter. It is one of the most important and fun things that we do together! Nu Chapter has been recognized on campus and nationally for our philanthropic work, and you’ll see us “thinking pink” all over UA! With the recent induction of Sarah Patterson, the former University of Alabama Gymnastics Coach, into our chapter we know that we are headed toward even more effective philanthropy events. Sarah Patterson has raised over $1.25 million dollars through her annual Power of Pink Gymnastics Meets. To find out more about Sarah Patterson see below!
Throughout the year, our chapter hosts a variety of events that promote awareness or raise money for breast cancer. This past year we hosted our first Barbeque for Breast Cancer, resulting in a record fundraising amount of $55,500. During the month of October, we spread awareness by passing out pink ribbons, and hosting a pink lemonade stand outside of our house. We also work closely with the Bright Pink organization focused on prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer in young women. Last year our chapter hosted it's first Bright Pink educational workshop to help educate the entire Panhellenic community. Zeta Tau Alpha also teams up with the National Football League for its “A Crucial Catch” campaign. This partnership is a great way for us to spread the importance of our philanthropy Breast Cancer Education and Awareness.
About Sarah Patterson:
Sarah Patterson has been the gymnastics coach at the University of Alabama for 35 years, leading the Crimson tide to SIX national championships, including 2011 and 2012. Alabama has qualified for the national championship a record 30 consecutive years, and 23 Bama gymnasts have earned individual national titles.
Her success as a coach extends beyond the gymnasium. Sarah was the driving force behind the Power of Pink gymnastics meet and initiative that raises awareness in the fight against breast cancer and has brought in over $1.25 million for the DCH Foundation in Tuscaloosa. She also organized a Tornado Relief Meet with the University of Missouri this spring, honoring the efforts of recovery workers in Tuscaloosa, Ala., and Joplin, Mo., after massive tornadoes in 2011. Sarah is equally committed to academic excellence; the 2011 national championship team posted an all-time high GPA of 3.71.
Her husband, David, coached with Sarah until 2008 and is now a volunteer coach. They have two daughters: Jessie, an alumna of Zeta Tau Alpha's Nu chapter at Alabama, and Jordan, a senior on the Crimson Tide national championship softball team.