By By Andrea Schmidt

Fashion made a big statement at the University last week.

Friday, Oct. 7 marked Lee National Denim day, an annual fundraiser aimed at raising money for breast cancer research and awareness.

Lee Jeans asked participants to wear denim and have people sponsor them by donating a minimum of $5.

Every dollar collected went directly to the Komen Foundation for breast cancer research, screenings and education.

This is the first year the University became involved, raising $200 in one day.

Hillel, the Center for Jewish Life on Campus, organized the event.

“This was much more successful than I thought,” Stephanie Woodrow, a sophomore print journalism major and member of Hilell’s women’s group, said. “We were hoping to raise $50, so raising $200 was great.”

Each year, thousands of women are affected by breast cancer.

In the United States, the rate of new breast cancer cases has been increasing more than one percent a year since the 1940s, according to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Statistics show that one in seven women will have breast cancer during her life.

Lee National Denim Day is the world’s largest single-day fundraiser for breast cancer, and this year marks the 10th anniversary for Lee National Denim Day.

Since 1996, Lee National Denim Day has raised more than $52 million.

The goal for this year’s fundraiser is $10 million in one day.

Last year, Lee National Denim Day raised over $8.5 million. More than 1.5 million individuals participated in 2004 with over 27,000 companies and organizations registered.

Lee National Denim Day hopes to exceed those numbers this year.

Woodrow was pleased at the turnout and in giving the University a chance at participating in this event.

“It was great getting the entire Hofstra community involved,” she said.

It is not too late to donate, Woodrow added.

If interested, contact the Hillel office at (516)463-6922 or stop by room 213A in the Student Center.

Left to right (Photo Courtesy of Hillel)