Eagles various fundraising efforts help Side-Out Foundation for fifth straight year
Usually an athlete’s main focus is winning the next battle with their opponent. However, the Kirkwood volleyball team recently set its sights on a much bigger foe. For the fifth straight year, the Eagles have held multiple fundraisers to help fight breast cancer and have been recognized for their efforts.
In conjunction with Kirkwood Student Life, Kirkwood athletes have held bake sales, raffles, sold t-shirts and collected free will donations to raise funds for the cause. In addition, the volleyball team hosts a Dig Pink match where half of the gate is donated to the total as well. All of the money raised is donated to the Side-out Foundation, an organization dedicated to furthering breast cancer awareness, education and patient services.
Kirkwood Head Volleyball Coach Jill Williams is pleased with the team and their dedication to defeating the debilitating disease.
“I’m proud of our players,” said Williams. “Sometimes, especially in the middle of a season, it’s hard to remember that there are more important things than sports. Obviously breast cancer has affected the lives of millions of people and continues to do so every day. If we can do something to help defeat it, then we should. The Dig Pink match, along with all of the other fundraisers, is a great way to raise money and awareness that the fight is not over.”
The Side-Out Foundation recently recognized the Kirkwood volleyball team for its fifth year of participation with Dig Pink. During that time span, the Eagles have helped raise over $8,000 to help in the battle against breast cancer. Williams says that it was a team effort.
“While the volleyball team did its part to raise money, the entire Kirkwood community made everything we have been able to do possible,” said Williams. “If it wasn’t for their support, we wouldn’t have been able to do it. We’re all in the fight, and we’re happy to do our part.”
For more information on the Side-Out Foundation, go to www.side-out.org.