By Asher Meklin and Ariel Shehter, Head Copy Editor and Staff Writer
// In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Acalanes Women’s Volley team hosted its annual fundraiser called the “Think Pink” game on Oct. 13.
Athletes and spectators were encouraged to wear pink to raise awareness for the issue. All proceeds from ticket sales and a bake sale were donated to breast cancer charities.
“This year, we selected two local nonprofits. The first one is the Cancer Support Community in Walnut Creek, and they serve the cancer community, including breast cancer. The second charity is the Sandra J. Wing Healing Therapies Foundation of Pleasanton, which supports women facing breast cancer,” Acalanes parent Emily Nock said.
The team holds a “Think Pink” game every year because of the large impact that breast cancer has on communities. According to the National Cancer Institute, about 13 percent of women will develop breast cancer within their lives, making it a prevalent issue for many.
“The cause is extremely important to me. The only people I’ve ever lost in my life have died [due] to breast cancer, and watching someone go through such a large process in life is extremely eye-opening,” Acalanes women’s volleyball athlete and senior Apollonia Walton said.
This year, the Dons played against Northgate High School, who also contributed to the event by donating and donning pink.
“I think Northgate’s contributions definitely made the cause seem larger than before. Wearing pink is one thing, but donating and truly caring about the cause is another,” Walton said.
Attendees could also purchase various baked goods and spirit wear from a bake sale hosted by the volleyball program and team parents.
“We exceeded our goals for fundraising, probably because in addition to selling baked items this year, [we] ended up making merchandise for both Northgate volleyball players and families and [for] Acalanes… All the Northgate items sold out completely,” Nock said.
Beyond its contributions to breast cancer awareness, the “Think Pink” game also connected Northgate and Acalanes under a common cause.
“It’s very rewarding to see the community come together. I think what I found the most rewarding is that both the Northgate and Acalanes families were contributing and excited about the Northgate merchandise, and that really drove up the amount that we were able to receive. It was just a really feel-good environment where people were coming together to support breast cancer even though we are usually rivals,” Nock said.
Graphic by Gabi Gruber, Online Editor-in-Chief.
Photos by Helen O’Neal, Online Editor-in-Chief.