SALEM, ORE. -- The Willamette University softball team has raised more than $1,500 as part of the Strike Out Breast Cancer fund-raiser sponsored by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA). Donations were received during Willamette's home games against Pacific Lutheran University on Saturday, March 8, as well as in the weeks leading up to the doubleheader.
It was the third season in a row that Willamette has held a Strike Out Breast Cancer day. All of the proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society. The success of Willamette's participation in the fund-raiser has grown by more than $1,000 from the $420 raised in 2012 and to double the amount from 2013.
"Our increase in funds raised is truly a tribute to all of the support we received, especially within not only the Athletics Department, but the Willamette community as a whole," said Bearcat catcher and third baseman Erin Norris (Jr., Salem, OR/South Salem HS). "We are incredibly thankful for everyone's support!"
Bearcat softball players were successful in their fund-raising efforts despite cold and rainy weather as they took on Pacific Lutheran. Willamette won the first game, 11-5, but the second game was suspended due to the weather with a 2-2 score in the bottom of the first inning.
The Bearcats partnered with DLH Screen Printing to sell pink Bearcat shirts, with $6 from each t-shirt sold going toward the fund-raising total. Over 150 t-shirts were sold.
Other groups that donated to Strike Out Breast Cancer were: Sigma Chi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, the Willamette men's and women's soccer teams, Straub Middle School (PE), Judson Middle School (staff), and numerous Willamette faculty and staff.
"It's great to be able to contribute to the research of something that has affected so many people," said Willamette catcher Amanda Absher (Jr., Elk Grove, CA/Franklin HS).
Although is was great to support a deserving cause such as the American Cancer Society, it was also fun for the members of the Bearcat softball team, who were able to sell the t-shirts, raise funds and where several pink items of clothing during their games against Pacific Lutheran.
Our increase in funds raised truly a tribute to all of the support we received especially within not only the Athletic Department but the Willamette Community as a whole
"These are some of my favorite games of the year," commented outfielder Jenna King (Jr., Camarillo, CA/Adolfo Camarillo HS).
Part of the money raised by the Willamette softball team to Strike Out Breast Cancer was from the sale of t-shirts.
The Bearcats want to thank the organizations and fans who contributed to the Strike Out Breast Cancer fund-raiser.
