As part of its national philanthropic endeavors to promote breast cancer awareness, Zeta Tau Alpha will host its third annual spaghetti dinner fundraiser tonight from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The event, which costs $5 per person and takes place at the ZTA house located off Avent Ferry Drive, has had success in the past, and organizers said they are hoping to attract even more participants this year.

ZTA President Katy Bridger, a junior in communication, said the money raised will go toward promoting awareness of breast cancer and will also help fund medical research.

“It is such an important cause because it affects so many people’s lives,” Bridger said.

ZTA Public Relations Secretary Mallory Hatcher, a junior in communication and Spanish, said the event offers a unique opportunity to bring people together for a common good.

“It’s a unifying opportunity, not only for N.C. State students, but for the community as a whole,” Hatcher said.

Hatcher said sorority members will be working to prepare the spaghetti starting in the early morning to make sure people can get their food as quickly as possible.

“There should be no problems with service this year,” Hatcher said. “Guests should be able to get in and out without waiting on long lines.”

ZTA Philanthropy Co-Chair Sarah Upchurch said the money will be fairly distributed by the sorority’s national foundation.

“We give all our money to the Zeta Foundation, and they distribute it to several breast cancer foundations, with the Susan G. Komen Foundation as the primary benefactor,” Upchurch said.

Upchurch said the event has raised a substantial amount in the past, and this year she hopes to do even better.

“Last year we raised right around $2,500,” Upchurch said. “We have already raised around that amount this year, so our final total will depend on how many people show up at the door.”

Bridger explained that ZTA members first developed the idea for a spaghetti dinner so they could increase their fundraising efforts with an annual spring event.

“We always wanted to do something in spring, and we thought with food, you can’t go wrong,” Bridger said. “It has been very successful.”

Upchurch said she encourages all students to support this important cause, and it is by no means an exclusive event.

“This isn’t about being a Greek; it’s about supporting breast cancer,” Upchurch said.

Bridger said she is confident the event will not have any problems, and she looks forward to having a fun time.

“We are prepared and excited, and we’re hoping for a big crowd,” Bridger said.