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Massapequa’s Pink Events Raise Awareness and Funds

Massapequa students dig their pink attire, which they have been wearing throughout October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In addition to showing their support through fashion, students, staff and community members have also been raising money for local organizations.

The girls volleyball team held its annual Dig Pink event on Oct. 22, with varsity and junior varsity games against Mineola. A fundraiser in the gymnasium lobby included raffle baskets, a 50/50 drawing and candy and dessert sales. Guests could also buy pink girls volleyball shirts. Each player on the varsity team had an online donation page, with proceeds from all of the fundraising efforts going to the Side-Out Foundation.

Amanda DelGiacco, the varsity volleyball coach, said that this is the 17th year of Dig Pink, and the first 16 events raised more than $170,000. This year’s total is still being finalized as the online fundraising pages are open through the end of the month. She said that each $2,000 raised benefits one breast cancer patient.

“I’m excited to take part in this campaign because we’re raising money for people going through this tough time and our hearts go out to them,” senior volleyball player Mariah Morisi said.

“It’s really special to our team,” added Micaela Gillis, whose grandmother is a breast cancer survivor. “It shows everyone that we’re here to play for something bigger than the game.”

Coach DelGiacco said that the Dig Pink event has become an important tradition for the girls volleyball team. This year, the players wore special shirts for the game along with pink armbands and socks. 

Berner Middle School held its annual Think Pink day on Oct. 24. During lunch periods, student council leaders sold Berner Thinks Pink shirts as well as raffle tickets for a candy basket, with proceeds going to the Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition and the Side-Out Foundation.

Students were encouraged to wear pink and several handmade banners were hung throughout the school to raise awareness.