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North Salem senior Gigi surrounded by her volleyball teammates, co-captains Chloe (left) and Jules (right).
Everyone knows that the North Salem High School colors are blue and yellow, but this week the Tigers wear pink.
“It’s grown a lot this year, it’s a really busy week for Dig Pink activities,” said senior Gigi about the national fundraiser for breast cancer research led by the volleyball teams. “We have more ambition for this year. Especially as seniors, we want to make it matter.”
“Each year, it’s amazing to see how we try to surpass something incredible from the year before, and then meet those goals,” said volleyball coach Toni Fiore. “I’m so proud of the girls for working together for this common goal. I know this is close to home for some of the girls.”
The week of breast cancer fundraising kicked off at Bobo’s Cafe in Somers, where the volleyball teams served up cups of coffee in exchange for donations, raising an initial $1600.
Varsity soccer and field hockey teams hosted “Pink Out” games, playing in pink socks and dyed hair. Several local businesses, including Kingsley’s Deli and Pizzeria, Hayfields Market, and Sal’s Pizza and Pasta, hosted snack tables with all proceeds going to the fundraiser.
On Friday, the volleyball teams sold pink swag at lunch, while high school students and staff wore pink, some from head to heels, to show their support for the cause.
Saturday is the grand finale with two volleyball home games and a car wash. The varsity team will play at 10:00 AM and the junior varsity team at noon, with snack tables sponsored by Lakeland Deli and Bobo’s Cafe. At 2:00 p.m., the teams will be providing car washes at Croton Falls Fire Department for a donation.
The money raised this week will go to the Side-Out Foundation, a nonprofit & research organization providing life-extending solutions for the metastatic breast cancer community.
“Gigi is the person who contacted all of the sponsors, created the posters around the school, and coordinated the events,” said Fiore. “She is so humble, but she puts in a lot of work to make this week successful, and her teammates rally around her.”
Gigi is confident they will exceed last year's total of $8000, but her goals surpass raising money.
“We want people to understand how many people breast cancer affects every year and how important it is to keep watch of people that you love,” said Gigi. “I hope to inspire others to take up the cause after I graduate."
Contributions to the team's fundraiser can be donated directly to the Side-Out Foundation.
Sarah Divi is the Communications Specialist for the North Salem Central School District. This article is the first in an ongoing series of stories that showcase student experiences and demonstrate the district's mission statement in action.
