Awareness of a different color

Bearcat volleyball fans are invited to dress in pink and attend the second annual Pink Out at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 21, at Bearcat Arena when Northwest meets the Washburn Lady Blues.

Head volleyball coach Anna Tool said the "pink out" is in recognition of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

"We are asking all fans attending the match to support this good cause by wearing a pink shirt," Tool said.

Maurice White, director of athletic marketing, promotion and licensing at Northwest Missouri State University, said events such as Northwest's Pink Out take place at various universities across the country to raise breast cancer awareness.

"We wanted to do something unique with the Pink Out theme," Coach Tool said. "We're excited for the match. It's a way to spread awareness for breast cancer and to get information out there. It's a great cause. The more fans who come to the game, the more money will be donated. It should be a good atmosphere for the cause."

White said the event was such a big success last year they decided to make it an annual thing.

"All fans are asked to wear pink," White said. "We will be handing out pink t-shirts and pink pom poms. We hope to set a new attendance record at a volleyball game. Bring a friend (or two) and help 'spike' out breast cancer."

Applebees will be giving out the pink pom poms with coupons inside that can be redeemed at the local Applebees restaurant.

Citizens Bank and Trust will donate money for every person in attendance at the volleyball game.
The money will go toward breast cancer research.

St. Francis Hospital and Health Services will be in the audience handing out pamphlets and brochures with information about breast cancer and cancer in general. The Nodaway County Cancer Support group is invited to attend as well.

The Bearcat volleyball team, as well as the opposing team, are going to be wearing pink during warm up time. The Northwest Bearcat Steppers will perform during the evening –– wearing pink. Bobby Bearcat will be in attendance –– also wearing pink.

"Most of us know someone who has been affected by cancer," White said. "We want anyone and everyone to come out to support not only the Bearcat volleyball team, but also for breast cancer awareness. It will be an amazing atmosphere –– root the Bearcat volleyball team on to a victory.