News Release

‘Boobies Ball’ to fund breast cancer fight

March 9, 2010

For the fifth straight year, Penn State Harrisburg’s student Lion Ambassadors are hosting a public “Boobies Ball” to fund the battle against breast cancer.

The 8 p.m. to midnight fund-raiser March 19 in the Capital Union Building on campus generates proceeds for the Middletown-based Feel Your Boobies Foundation founded by Leigh Hurst. The foundation targets breast cancer awareness efforts to women under age 40. “That audience often doesn’t realize it is at risk for breast cancer and may not think of self-exams,” Hurst says.

For additional information on the ball, contact the college Office of Alumni Relations at 717-948-6715.

Admission is $5 per person with DJ Klock providing music. Sharing information on breast cancer awareness during the ball will be the foundation’s Michelle Burger and Penn State Harrisburg graduate Carol Ranck, a cancer survivor.

Ball Chairman Jennifer Imparato says, “The Lion Ambassadors must complete a community service project each year and five years ago we chose the Feel Your Boobies Foundation. While the proceeds fund cancer awareness, it is equally important that the money stays right here in the Middletown community.” The first four Boobies Balls netted a total of $6,000 for the foundation.

The Lion Ambassador event has become a model in Hurst’s efforts to encourage other colleges and universities to support her foundation’s efforts. The Lion Ambassadors are students who represent the college at campus and community events. Welcoming new students, conducting campus tours, and assisting at commencement and numerous other special events are among the Lion Ambassador activities.