FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DCC’S PHI THETA KAPPA TO KICK-OFF

FLAMINGO FLOCKING CAMPAIGN

Kaye Moyer, President of the Phi Theta Kappa chapter at  Danville Community College, left, and other PTK members assist  the flocking flamingos as they take a break at the McDonalds  Restaurant on Riverside Drive. Looking on at right,  is McDonald's First Assistant Manager, Thomas Gatewood.

PTK members prepare the birds for flocking at the  studios of WBTM/WAKG Radio Station and WSET-TV 13  television station.

            DANVILLE, VA, October 6, 2003-- If you see pink flamingos flocking around town, don’t be alarmed; they are just part of the Danville Community College Upsilon Phi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities. Using the theme, “For The Love of Sisters”, the PTK chapter plans to launch several activities during October to increase awareness of breast cancer and raise funds to support area cancer patients through the Danville Cancer Association. Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society for two-year college students.

The colorful birds were first seen in this area flocking on the grassy hill on the corner of Grove Street and North Ridge Street, near the offices of WBTM and WAKG radio stations and WSET television. Before the campaign is completed the birds will make more than 20 stops at area businesses and on the front lawns of some of several citizens. To keep the birds away, residents or businesses can buy insurance from the chapter for a minimum donation of $10. Once the birds have landed, there is a minimum donation of $25 to shoo them away.

            Kaye Moyer, President of the DCC PTK chapter, says the chapter has annually hosted activities to increase awareness of breast cancer. This year, however, he has personal reasons for wanting to launch the project.

            “I began planning the Flamingo Flocking (activity) in July when I learned my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer,” Moyer says.  Her sister, Anna, is an Account Executive for the city of Montgomery in Alabama.  Moyer says her sister has since had a mastectomy on August 22, the day before her 40^th birthday.  She is currently undergoing chemotherapy and white cell treatment.  The fundraising campaign is Moyer’s way of contributing to her sister’s care. 

“This my way of helping here in this area with the hope that someone there (in the city of Montgomery) will do the same for her,” she says.  Moyer says she has been in touch with community colleges in Alabama to suggest this project.

            Moyer hints that one of the next flocking will take place the week of October 6 at the McDonald’s Restaurant on Riverside Drive.

“We are grateful to the many businesses that are supporting this project,” Moyer says. “Not only have they agreed to be flocked but they will also solicit donations from customers.”

In addition to the “Flocking campaign”, Moyer says the PTK chapter is completing the cancer quilt started last year for the Chapter’s scholarship project.  Anyone interested in purchasing a fabric square in honor or memory of an individual affected by cancer may do so for $5 per square. The chapter also will be assisting the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation with the sale of Breast Cancer Awareness ribbons on National Denim Day, October 10. Sponsors are suggesting a $5 donation and wear denim that day.

For more information on the “For the Love of Sisters” campaign, or other Phi Theta Kappa events, contact Moyer or the Chapter sponsors, Charlie Adams, Sherry Gott, or Rob Huffman at 434.797.2222 or toll free at 800.560.4291.