Students & faculty involved in the production of ‘She Loves Me’ collected money to support families struggling with breast cancer.
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The Department of Performing Arts collected $6,300 this month with a benefit performance of the spring musical “She Loves Me” where ticket sales, a raffle and revenue from silent auction items supported the nonprofit Little Pink Houses of Hope, which serves the families of breast cancer patients by providing all-expense paid retreats to North Carolina beaches.
Performing arts faculty and staff on Wednesday presented the charity’s founder with a ceremonial check.
“The money that Elon University raised will support an entire retreat for eight families, all the food expenses and the activities included,” said Jeanine Patten-Coble, who was inspired to start the nonprofit following her own battle with cancer. “We really could name it the ‘She Loves Me!’ retreat!”
Directed by Associate Professor Linda Sabo, an understudy cast performed the Feb. 11 special showing of the musical, the latest in a string of partnerships Little Pink Houses of Hope has forged with Elon. Last fall, head baseball coach Mike Kennedy headlined a local “Dancing with the Stars” fundraiser, and the organization has worked with other student organizations for volunteers to staff local events.
Also involved in the success of the program were India Kingary Steele, community engagement director for Little Pink Houses of Hope; Kimberly Rippy, program assistant in the Department of Performing Arts and coordinator of the benefit production; and Elon students Phylicia Mpasi and Savannah Sprinkle
Dozens of families from around the United States and Canada have benefited from the Burlington-based nonprofit’s efforts since its founding in 2010.