DURANGO, Colo. — The Fort Lewis College volleyball team will once again participate in the Pink Digs for a Cure cancer benefit when they host Western New Mexico at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29 in Whalen Gymnasium. Pink Digs festivities will begin at 6 p.m. that night.
“This annual event that we support is so important to our players and the community,” said eighth-year FLC head coach Shelly Aaland. “Everyone has been touched by cancer in their lives, and it is such an honor to be able to give exposure and support to the cause.”
This year's event has special significance to Aaland because one of her friends and colleagues in the volleyball coaching ranks will be part of the Pink Digs night.
“This year's game will feature a cancer survivor in Jim Callender, the Western New Mexico coach who is currently in remission,” she. “I am thrilled that the celebration of life can include him this year. “
USAVolleyball Program, Four Corners Volleyball Club and the Women's Health Coalition (WHC) of Southwest Colorado, present the fifth annual Pink Digs for a Cure cancer benefit in September.
Four Southwest Colorado volleyball programs are digging to earn $30,000 in donations to emergency fund scholarships for local, in-treatment breast cancer patients through the Women's Health Coalition of Southwest Colorado.
Since its inception in 2007, participating Pink Digs student-athletes and community businesses have partnered to raise over $70,000 for the WHC Emergency Fund.
Two events have already taken place this month; two others remain on the schedule:
• Tuesday, Oct. 4, 4 p.m., Miller Middle School volleyball.
• Tuesday, October 11, 4 p.m., Ignacio High School volleyball
• Saturday, October 22, 10 a.m., Durango High School volleyball
• Saturday, Oct. 29, 6 p.m., Fort Lewis College volleyball, Finale Sponsors Event
Pink Digs for a Cure is committed to three objectives: Teaching student-athletes the greater values of community contribution through the sport of volleyball, advancing the WHC Emergency Scholarship Fund for qualifying cancer patients, and partnering with community businesses, schools, citizens, and families to assist local cancer patients undergoing treatment.
“We are thrilled to be a part of Pink Digs, especially at the middle school level,” said Miller Middle School head volleyball coach Molly Malarsie. “It is really important to give students the opportunity to get involved in something bigger than themselves. The earlier we grab hold of students and teach them to give back to the community, support other causes, and be compassionate towards others the better.”
Community members are invited to these matches. Local breast cancer survivors will be honored at center court, as part of an all-star team roster. Also, there will be a pink gift shop for apparel, gifts, and gear at all Pink Digs events.
