Feb. 23, 2009
Garden City, N.Y. -
GALLERY
The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics had originally planned to present a check for $4,000 to the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program at its women's basketball game this past Saturday. However, after the recent state budget cut was announced, they decided to continue its efforts. The department sponsored a week long campaign culminating with the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Pink Zone game, which generated an additional $1,000 for the hotline.
Earlier in the week, Campus Recreation sponsored a BCA Run/Walk that attracted close to 100 participants and netted $756. This added to the monies from Saturday brought the total to just over $1,000.
The game was advertised through newspaper and radio spots and brought in over 400 fans, including many breast cancer survivors. Fans were able to sign the petition that is being sent to Albany in protest of the hotline losing $300,000 in state funding, which in effect could force them to shut their doors. Lackmann Food Services donated pink lemonade to fans who purchase special pink cups. T-shirts, tote bags and lanyards were also for sale.
"This was an absolutely terrific event." Director of Athletics Robert E. Hartwell said. "It makes you proud to mix with survivors and to see how grateful they are of our support. I thought the team work between the Athletic Department, the University and the Hotline was magnificent. To see people working with such dedication makes you feel great."
Hartwell presented the check to Angela Papalia of the Breast Cancer Hotline at half-time of the women's game. A number of breast cancer survivors came down from the stands to participate in the ceremony.
As part of the WBCA Pink Zone week, which included over 1500 schools and organizations participating across the country, the women's basketball team warmed up in special t-shirts, which were also donated to the opposing team. The Panthers also donned pink headbands, shoelaces and socks. The officials used pink whistles and prior to the start of the game, a special pink basketball was used for a ceremonial tip-off. The Panthers went on to defeat the Dowling College Golden Lions, 66-63.
