Local non-profit organization Invokause has figured out a way to make the buckeye nut the newest tool used in the fight breast cancer.

After its recent founding, the community action group decided to make its first project “the world’s largest buckeye necklace” and donate the more than $250,000 they hope to acquire during its construction to the Stefanie Spielman Fund for breast cancer research.

The group’s goal is to collect 100,000 buckeye nuts, and after selling each one to a donor, they will number it and string it on a necklace that will eventually be more than 1,200 pounds and a little less than 1.5 miles in diameter.

Since the program’s silent inception late last year, more than 1,000 nuts have already been sold. The group hopes that after the project’s kickoff sometime next month, they will continue to gain momentum.

“This is the type of cause you don’t necessarily have to have a loved one affected by to recognize the need for help,” said Alexander Bork, vice president of Invokause.

The project was a big hit with representatives from the Stefanie Spielman Fund, and they have been working with Invokause to help make the project a success.

“We always try to assist those who want to help in the OSU community,” said Jennifer McDonald, director of fundraising events for the Ohio State Medical Center. “I thought it was a fabulous idea.”

The Spielman Fund is a special endeavor that is part of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute.

McDonald said that the money donated will be put toward a variety of breast cancer research endeavors and mentioned research in the areas of genetic tumors and pharmaceuticals as possibilities.

“I think this project is unique and I can’t wait to see the finished project,” she said. “It combines Buckeye spirit with a great cause.”
Invokause was founded by its president, Jonathan Cochran and vice president, Alexander Bork. Bork is an OSU graduate and said he tried to set up the project so that people of all income levels can
contribute.

“I roamed this campus back in the day. I know how it is,” Bork said. “We’re trying to make it affordable so everyone can donate.”

Buckeyes can be purchased for $2.50 each by visiting buckeyesforacure.com and after purchase, the next available number in the sequence is given. The numbers can’t be picked, but Invokause plans to auction the first 100 buckeye numbers at a later date for those who want something specific.

“So, for example, if Eddie George wanted number 27, he could bid for the number,” Cochran said.

Invokause plans to hold numbers one and 36 in honor of Stefanie and Chris Spielman. They have plans to present the buckeyes to Chris Spielman at the kickoff event.

For more information about Invokause, visit invokause.org, or for more information about the Stefanie Spielman Fund, visit spielmanfund.com.