Colleges Against Cancer and Welch Avenue bars are partnering to raise awareness that there is hope in the battle against cancer by hosting the Drink Pink Bar Crawl on Thursday. Proceeds raised by Colleges Against Cancer go to the American Cancer Society to find a cure.

“The idea for Drink Pink Mug Night actually fell into my lap through friends and contacts I had made last year as I fundraised like crazy in honor of my mom’s 10th year cancer-free,” said Jill Wedeking, team recruitment co-chairwoman for Colleges Against Cancer and senior in dietetics. “I got a call one night from a friend who manages Cy’s Roost, Melvin Evans Jr., and he basically said, ‘[Paddy’s, Cy’s, Sips and Outlaws] would like to help you raise money this year for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. What can we do to help?’

“They had the Drink Pink Mug Night in their heads, and they just wanted somebody to partner with.”

To take part in the Drink Pink Bar Craw, participants can purchase a mug on Welch Avenue at a Budweiser tent set up for the event. Along with the $5 pink mug, participants need to pick up a card from 7 to 11:30 p.m., or until supply runs out.

Participants are to get the card stamped by all four participating bars — Cy’s, Sips, Paddy’s and Outlaws and drop it off at any bar exit when it’s completed. By doing so, participants are put in the drawing for the grand prize worth more than $800.

The ultimate prize includes a party for 50 people including a party tent, tables, chairs and lighting. This includes setup, delivery, and pickup. The party is donated by Iowa Tents & Special Events in Des Moines. The grand prize also comes with gift cards from local Ames businesses.

“I love boobies” or “for the cure” bracelets will be sold at the event for $5, and anyone wearing the bracelet that shows it at participating bars will receive $2 “boobie bomb” shots consisting of vodka, watermelon pucker, grenadine and Monster all night long.

“By taking part in mug night or even by donating money, buying a bracelet, or signing up for Relay for Life, you are not only helping current cancer victims, but you’re helping your friends, family and yourself,” said Ashley Yingst, Colleges Against Cancer co-president. “The money we raise for our Relay goes to the American Cancer Society. ACS uses the money to serve patients, their families and fund cancer research.”

The event is a part of several at Iowa State that aim to raise money for cancer research and awareness.

“Earlier in the year, our executive team came together and made goals for the year. Our main goal is raising funds for the American Cancer Society and ISU’s Relay for Life,” Yingst said. “Throughout the year, many teams fundraise and turn in their donations in March at Relay [for Life]. Last year, we brought in over $100,000. This year, we’re aiming for over $106,000, so mug night is helping us to achieve this goal.”

The Drink Pink Bar Crawl allows college students to take a stand against cancer and work toward getting rid of the deadly disease.

“Most events hit a concentrated group of people who care about the cause, but this will be bringing it to a social setting to be a constant reminder of how we need to be proactive to find a cure. I am beyond excited to be a part of such a powerful and beneficial event,” said Jessica Strandemo, senior in marketing and management.