CCHS students plan 'Shots Against Cancer' to benefit new Cancer Care Fund
(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Below, local teens interest in raising funds for cancer patients in Whitley County began with the Kicks for Cancer soccer games in 2008 and 2009 and will continue in 2010 with the “Shots Against Cancer” fundraisers at CCHS later this month.
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Members of the girls and boys basketball teams recently approached the Community Foundation and expressed their shared desire to hold “pink jersey” games to support cancer services in Whitley County. Their idea was taken to the Foundation’s Board of Directors and as a result, a new fund has been established that will provide financial support to local non-profit organizations that offer services to cancer patients and their families residing within Whitley County. 
Last fall, the girls’ CCHS soccer and volleyball teams raised money for the community’s free mammogram program; this is a different cause that will assist people battling all types of cancer.
The new Whitley County Cancer Care Endowment Fund will help local non-profit organizations defray their expenses for services that include volunteer rides to chemotherapy appointments, medical equipment loans, wigs, cancer education initiatives and local support group activities.
In support and praise of the CCHS students’ philanthropic intentions, the Whitley County Community Foundation has agreed to match all funds raised for the new Whitley County Cancer Care Fund, dollar for dollar.
The athletic department and coaches have agreed to the pink jersey, “Shots Against Cancer” fundraisers and they will take place in conjunction with CCHS Winter Fest. The girls will wear pink on January 22 against DeKalb and the boys’ games will take place the following week, January 29 against New Haven. The pink jerseys will be worn and offered via silent auctions during these games. A variety of other activities are also planned to help support the new Cancer Care Fund.
In addition, for anyone interested in honoring or memorializing a loved one, a “Shots Against Cancer” banner will be displayed during the four, pink JV and Varsity games. The name of someone special who has fought or is currently fighting cancer can be added to the banner for $50.
In that way, the honorees will be “in the gym,” as the players pay tribute to their courage and strength in their battles against cancer. If you are interested in adding a name to the banner, please contact the Community Foundation at 244-5224.
The deadline for inclusion on the banner is January 19. All contributions to the new fund are tax deductible.
Please consider coming out to support our teams by wearing pink at the games on January 22 and 29.
“The Community Foundation is fortunate to collaborate with this great group of local teenagers who have chosen to invest themselves in this community project and we are grateful for their efforts,” said Whitley County Community Foundation executive director September McConnell.