Eastern Michigan Athletics
Volleyball and Football Teams Look to Score for Breast Cancer
10/19/2009 3:01:48 PM | General
EMU Athletics hosts annual “Dig and Kick Pink” Fundraiser
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YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – Eastern Michigan University's football and volleyball teams are teaming up to make a difference in the battle against breast cancer by partnering for a special “Dig and Kick Pink” event during their respective home games Saturday, Oct. 24. Although this is the third year of promotion by EMU Athletics, it is the first time these two teams have joined forces to help run up the score for breast cancer research.
“This football-volleyball partnership is a great way for EMU Athletics to support the breast cancer cause,” said Dr. Derrick Gragg, EMU's Director of Athletics. “That type of initiative is rare and it's an opportunity for us, not only to serve as role models to our student-athletes, but also for others.”
The day's pink push starts at 1 p.m. at Rynearson Stadium as the Eagles football team takes on Ball State University. During the game, the team will “kick pink” – the Head Football Coach Ron English will wear both a pink coaches polo shirt and hat, which will be auctioned off during the volleyball game later that evening and the players and assistant coaches will sport pink ribbon decals on their helmets and coaches shirts.
W4 Country will serve as the 2009 game-day sponsor and the first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a miniature pink football.
In addition to their pink activities on the field, the football team previously hosted a Football 101 skills clinic for women that has already raised $500 toward the EMU's “Dig and Kick Pink” $8,000 fundraising goal.
Next in the pink line-up is the EMU volleyball game at the Convocation Center. As they have in previous years, the Eagles will wear pink uniforms as they “dig pink” in their 7 p.m. game against the University at Buffalo. The first 250 fans will receive a commemorative miniature pink and white Baden volleyball.
Eagle fans will have several ways to donate. Special silent auctions filled with exciting items will be held at designated donation-locations during both games with all proceeds contributing to the goal. Donations and pledges will also be accepted at each location throughout the games.
Breast cancer supporters can make a credit card donation or bid on daily online auction items by visiting the Side-Out Foundation's web site at www.side-out.org/application/teams/team_page/1345.
Proceeds from the “Pink” events will benefit the Side-Out Foundation, a Virginia based 501 (c)3 nonprofit organization that was established in 2004 by a group of individuals drawn together by their love of volleyball and share a similar passion to be a part of the war against breast cancer. Side-Out's mission is to raise money for the war against breast cancer through the recreational activity of volleyball. CEO/Founder of the Side Out Foundation, Rick Dunetz, will also be in attendance at the volleyball match.
Everyone who donates to the “Pink” initiative will receive a miniature pink volleyball.
