The Oswego State volleyball team will be hosting a “Dig Pink” game on Wednesday, October 10 at 7 p.m. against Hilbert College. The last time the Lakers hosted a “Dig Pink” game was in 2010, where they raised over $1,100 for breast cancer.
 
“The event two years ago bloomed with success,” said senior co-captain Chelsea Crump. “There was a full crowd in our stands.”

At the last event, the gym was decorated with balloons, streamers and signs. The team also wore pink jerseys, which were raffled off at the end of the game. Different businesses around Oswego donated items to be raffled off.

“It was a great experience,” said Crump.
 
The Side-Out Foundation uses “Dig Pink” to host events to raise money for breast cancer. The foundation was established in 2004 after founder Rick Dunetz's mother, Gloria, was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time.

Dunetz was the head volleyball coach at West Springfield High School in Springfield, VA, and shared his story with his team. The girls were inspired and won not only for themselves and their coach, but for Gloria.

Since the foundation started, has raised millions of dollars to contribute to organizations that serve breast cancer patients. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is when “Dig Pink” games take place.
 
“I believe this year Dig Pink will be even better,” said Crump. “We can add much more to it now that we know what was successful when we hosted it for the first time two years ago.”

To raise money for the event, the team is accepting donations through their website. This year, the volleyball team will also be wearing pink jerseys during the match.

Fans that donate three dollars or more at the door will receive a Laker drawstring bag and cup, while supplies last. The team will be creating gift baskets that will be raffled off at the end of the game (three tickets for $1 and 20 tickets for $5). 
 
The volleyball team is not the only team to participate in an event for breast cancer. Cross country and men's soccer will also be wearing pink jerseys in October. Men's lacrosse holds a scrimmage at the end of the month as well.
 
After not holding the event last year, the team members decided to this year because they “want to help,” said first-year head coach J.J. O'Connell.