Hip-hop dancers, pink popcorn and a behind-the-scenes look at last year’s music video welcomed guests to the Frogs for the Cure Celebration and 2015 Kickoff Tuesday.
Student volunteers greeted guests with pink wristbands, wigs and sunglasses. The ballroom in the Brown-Lupton University Union flaunted pink balloons, streamers and even a pink version of a red carpet.
That “pink red carpet” was soon invisible due to piles of streamers and confetti after the presentation of an $185,000 check to Susan G. Komen Greater Fort Worth from TCU Frogs for the Cure.
“We were able to give a significant gift to Komen this year,” said Ann Louden, director of Frogs for the Cure. “With last year being the 10 year anniversary, we had several big events and big donations.”
Dr. Judith Salerno, CEO of Komen, expressed her gratitude to this organization.
“It is incredible to see the energy on this campus and within this community,” Salerno said. “It extends beyond TCU and into Fort Worth and even the country, as last year’s music video shows. TCU has shown the world what can be done with energy and enthusiasm.”
“This event is always a little bittersweet,” Louden said. “Looking back on the year makes me want to do it all again, but this coming year should be bigger and better than ever.”
And the plans for next year seem to be just that. After the check presentation, Louden revealed the plans for the 2015 music video.
This year’s video is set to feature the song “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” sung by Luke Wade from The Voice. There will also be a female featured on the track and Louden said there may be a special appearance by head football coach Gary Patterson.
“Coach Patterson has expressed his interest in being in the video,” Louden said. “The specifics are still a surprise.”
The video team is currently finalizing a free license with friends of TCU at 20th Century Fox in Los Angeles. Wade began recording the song Monday.
“I’m so excited to be able to have a role in this,” Wade said. “I am learning about the process and what goes into it. Tonight, I realize just how much comes out of it.”
The kickoff party also focused on upcoming events here on campus. Athletic Director Chris Del Conte spoke to guests about the importance of this tradition at TCU.
“TCU is about family,” Del Conte said. “Breast cancer has affected this family in the past, as well as the families of many of our students, faculty and staff. I firmly believe that we will find a cure in our lifetime because everyone mobilizes around this program.”
Del Conte wasn’t the only representative of the athletic department to support the kickoff event. Raegan Pebley, head coach of the women’s basketball team, also shared her enthusiasm for Frogs for the Cure.
“This is my first year at TCU and it was so exciting to learn that this was already a tradition here,” Pebley said. “I had a personal scare with breast cancer last year and it made me realize that breast cancer doesn’t have a face or a certain body type or age. I feel such a unity on this campus concerning this issue because of this program.”
After the check presentation, guests made their way to TCU’s recreation center to cheer on the Lady Frogs against the Kansas Jayhawks.
“We are currently third in the Big 12 and we will continue to fight,” Pebley said. “Tonight, we remember that the fight to win a basketball game is nothing compared to the fight that so many people face because of breast cancer. That is our inspiration.”
Hip-hop dancers that were in the 2014 music video performed at half time of the women’s basketball game. TCU defeated Kansas 73-67, the cherry on top of the kickoff and celebration.
“I think the event was incredibly well received,” Louden said. “The crowd really seemed to understand our passion for the cause. I say this every year, but I am so proud to be a part of this program.”