FRANCISCAN VOLLEYBALL HOSTS 7TH ANNUAL DIG PINK DAY

On September 10, the Franciscan University volleyball team participated in the annual Side-Out Foundation Dig Pink Day and the event was a great success. 

Franciscan partnered with three local high schools, Steubenville Big Red, Beaver Local and Edison Local while welcoming Marietta College and Aquinas Academy to be a part of the event. Current head coach at Aquinas Academy is former Franciscan volleyball player, Bernadette Moore.

"Our 7th annual Dig Pink Day was a great success!" remarked Franciscan head coach Kelly Herrmann. "Involving local high schools has provided another opportunity for Franciscan University to partner with those in the local community for a cause that touches all of our lives!"

There were several opportunities throughout the day to support the Side-Out Foundation and breast cancer research as well as the TEAR Fund. Admission was collected at the gate, as well as a Chinese auction of several theme baskets, a 50/50 raffle, a high school serving contest, and the donation of the "Courtside Couch" proceeds. Donations were also made on behalf of Franciscan's EXCITE, Student Life, and Student Government as well as through the Side-Out Foundation site.

"Our sponsors, Graphics in Print, Franciscan Student Government, and Excite have embraced this cause and year after year, and been a reliable partner in this project!  We couldn't do it without them!"

Throughout the day, Franciscan helped to raise at least  $1,620 for breast cancer research. 75% of what was raised through the Lady Barons will go to the Side-Out Foundation while 25% goes to the local TEAR Fund. 

The Lady Barons ask members of the Franciscan family and community to be guest coaches at all of their matches, and their Dig Pink match was no different. Franciscan asked Grace Abernathy and Lisa Beaulieu to serve as guest coaches and join the team on the bench for the match, as both women are local breast cancer survivors.

"Our guest coaches, Grace Abernathy and Lisa Beaulieu represent so many friends, family, loved ones in our community who need our help and donating to the TEAR Fund is a wonderful way to do that!"

Franciscan won their match against Marietta, 3-0, in front of one of the largest crowds of the year in support of the day. 

"Our team was very inspired by the big crowd and played a strong match!"

There is still time to donate online on behalf of Franciscan University; those who would still like to participate should visit the Side-Out Foundation site here. 

"Next year, we want to challenge our local businesses to get involved and donate online to help us reach our goal!  If everyone in the community helps us a little bit, together we can do great things!"