August 29, 2008
BLOOMINGTON, ILL. - Several Illinois High School Association (IHSA) schools will host Volley for the Cure events in conjunction with home volleyball matches during the 2008 season. Volley for the Cure is a breast cancer awareness and fundraising initiative that benefits the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation and was originated by the Ohio High School Volleyball Coaches Association and Ohio State Activity Association.
Ashland (A-C Central), Tinley Park (Andrew), Chatham (Glenwood), Darien (Hinsdale South), Sesser (S.-Valier), and Wheaton (St. Francis) were the first to register to host events during September and October. The complete list of Volley for the Cure events will be updated on the IHSA website as more schools register.
“Our team was looking for a service project for the season and I felt like Volley for the Cure was a perfect fit after hearing about it at the IHSA rules meeting,” said Andrew head coach Jennifer Doede. “Our girls are so excited about this event and the amount of support we have received in the building and from our parents has gone above and beyond my expectations.”
Hinsdale South head coach Lisa Jablonski echoed Doede’s sentiments. “Cancer is something that runs in my family and I have had former players’ mothers and other coaches I know who have been afflicted with breast cancer. This is an awesome cause and our whole program is excited to be involved.”
Fundraising efforts at the events range from volleyball serving contests, raffles, donating gate receipts and selling t-shirts. All who attend are also encouraged to wear pink in support of breast cancer awareness. The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation has four branches (Bloomington, Chicago, Decatur, Peoria) in Illinois, with the Volley for the Cure funds set to be distributed to the regional outlets based on the host school’s location.
IHSA Assistant Executive Director and Girls Volleyball administrator Sue Hinrichsen commented on Volley for the Cure, “This is a powerful event that was started by a few teams in Ohio and has since picked up steam and spread around high schools throughout the country. We all know someone who has been afflicted with breast cancer and this is a wonderful opportunity to provide education while also giving back to the community.”
Former IHSA Assistant Executive Director Ola Bundy (1967-96) was a breast cancer awareness advocate before succumbing to the disease in 2006.
Hinrichsen added, “It’s not too late for schools to get involved with Volley for the Cure this year, as we will be accepting registration all season.”
A Volley for the Cure registration form, along with event ideas, breast cancer facts and other information is available on the Girls Volleyball page on the IHSA website.