Alyssa VanPelt-Cathcart, Staff Writer
On Tuesday, Oct. 22, GEARS hosted their first bake sale of the semester in the Hunt Union Living Room. At their table they were selling fried oreos, rice crispy, brownies, and chocolate covered pretzels. This fundraiser focused on bringing awareness to both Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence.
E-board members of GEARS include their president Dasany Sierra, their vice-president Trinidad Puenta, their secretary Katrina Blais, their treasurer Wendy Fuerte, their community chair Aniya Maring, their fundraising chair Makenzie Kruszeski, and their co. public relations Helen Flores.
According to Fuerte, GEARS stands for Gender Equality & Race Society. The goal of the club is to bring awareness to gender issues and race. The club attempts to do this by hosting events like this fundraiser, but they’ve hosted other events such as Breaking Plates. The Breaking Plates event was in awareness to mental health as students could write the things stressing them onto the plates and then breaking the plate to release that stress.
According to the Domestic Violence Awareness Month post on the GEARS Instagram, this month “promotes open conversations about the emotional, physical, and psychological impact of domestic violence, with the aim of break the silence and stigma surrounding it. It also highlights the importance of resources and support systems for those affected, while working toward a future where everyone can live free from fear and harm.” Additionally, on the GEARS Instagram, they shared a post where they provide an infographic on the symptoms of Breast Cancer. It’s stated in the post that they “encourage all to get checked out frequently.”
It’s crucial that people break the silence. GEARS encourages students to reach out to receive resources if someone is struggling or if they know anyone who is. GEARS will be hosting more events this semester, such as painting tote bags during Halloween week and their annual Coochie Pop & Little Richards sale. Additionally, the club would like SUNY students to know that GEARS is a welcoming space as they encourage new ideas and support. GEARS meets every Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. in Fitzelle Hall 130. For more information, go to their meetings or check out their Instagram at oneonta_g.e.a.r.s.
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