Area high school volleyball teams host pink nights to create awareness
What do Pardeeville, Marshall, Rio, Columbus and Cambria-Friesland High Schools all have in common? A group of dedicated athletes who have made a commitment to give back to the community through raising funds for breast cancer patients and spreading the word about early detection and leading a healthy lifestyle to aid in prevention.
Volley for a Cause games, sponsored by Prairie Ridge Health, kicks off Sept. 29 at Pardeeville High School. Games will continue through the month of October at Marshall (Oct. 6), Rio (Oct. 8), Columbus (Oct. 15), and Cambria-Friesland (Oct. 15) High Schools. Volleyball players at each school are pitching in to sell team custom designed t-shirts and raffle tickets, as well as organizing other activities for the upcoming “pink” games. Funds will be used by the Prairie Ridge Health Foundation for education and support for women with breast disease through the Prairie Ridge Health Breast Health Program, after-care kits for biopsy and mastectomy patients, patient support kits for newly diagnosed patients, and mammography education and after-care kits. A donation will also be made to the Pink Ribbon Angels to provide mammograms and support for women in Columbia County who are unable to pay for the service.
Last year the pink volley events raised $9,924, funds which are being used today for breast cancer patients through the Breast Health Patient Navigator at Prairie Ridge Health and the Pink Ribbon Angels and to aid in educating the communities about breast cancer.
This marks the fifth year that the Prairie Ridge Health Foundation has reached out to the athletes. Those purchasing raffle tickets have the opportunity to win $1,000 cash, a GoPro, NFL Packer items, UW Badger autographed items, golf passes, gift certificates, and more! Tickets may be purchased in advance or at each of the events. The drawing will be held Oct. 29 at 4 p.m. at Columbus High School.
“If you are unable to make it to one of the pink games, you still have the opportunity to participate by purchasing raffle tickets from one of the volleyball team members or by stopping by Prairie Ridge Health. You can also purchase apparel, each school designs their own apparel to be worn at their pink out night and throughout the month of October,” said Emily Dilley, Executive Director of the Prairie Ridge Health Foundation. “But most importantly, we ask that pink game supporters spread the word about early detection of breast cancer by having a mammogram and living a healthy lifestyle to aid cancer prevention.”
Prairie Ridge Health’s Medical Imaging Department offers digital mammography by appointment. For more information regarding the breast health program at Prairie Ridge Health call (920) 623-6434. For more information regarding the Prairie Ridge Health Foundation call 920-623-1370.
The 2015 Pink Game Schedule
Sept. 29 – Pardeeville (Teaming Up Against Cancer) - JV 6 p.m. Varsity 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 6 – Marshall (Pink Strong – Diggin’ For a Cure) – JV 6 p.m. Varsity 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 8 – Rio (Pink Ladies) – JV 6 p.m. Varsity 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 15 – Columbus (Fight On – Love & Volleyball) – JV- 5:15 and Varsity at 7:00p.m.
Oct. 15 – Cambria-Friesland (Get Your Pink On) – 7th Grade: 4p.m. & 8th grade to follow. JV and JV2 starting at 6 p.m. Varsity 7:30 p.m.