Number of Participants: 70
Hours Donated: 10
Value of Time Served: $24,353
Event Amount Raised: $18,000
Event Type: Children & Youth
Activity: Girls Volleyball
School: South Saint Paul High School
Date: October 22, 2025
Location:
South St Paul
MN, USA
About:
What began as a traditional “Pink Out” night in 2022 has become one of South St. Paul Volleyball’s most meaningful traditions — a heartfelt effort that blends awareness, compassion, and hometown support.
Each year, the team and booster club look within their own community to identify a local family facing a cancer battle and invite them to be part of the season. “We wanted to make our efforts as real as possible and keep them within our community,” shared Coach LaRose. “Instead of fundraising for large organizations, we focus on helping families right here at home.”
This year, the program learned about 10-year-old Maya, a local girl bravely fighting a rare form of cancer. Upon hearing her story, the team decided to shift their focus — turning their Pink Out night into a full community effort to support the Cerda family.
How the Team Made It Happen
The fundraising began with a custom apparel sale — a hallmark of the event since its start. One of the varsity players, Emma Brandner, created the artwork for the special-edition design featuring Maya. Every player in the program, from middle school through varsity (about 70 total athletes and coaches), took part in selling the shirts and hoodies throughout the community.
JV players also circulated donation jars through the crowd during the Pink Out matches, and the Booster Club donated proceeds from the popular “Chuck a Duck” 50/50 game to the cause. Together, these efforts helped raise significant funds to support the Cerda family — all done quietly, compassionately, and with the focus where it matters most.
A Growing Tradition of Local Impact
Since the Pink Out tradition began in 2022, the South St. Paul Volleyball program has raised over $18,000 for local families navigating cancer battles. Each year, the event unites the school and community in a shared show of strength, love, and hope.
The night itself is a sea of pink — with all five high school teams wearing custom Pink Out uniforms, students and fans filling the gym, and an unmistakable sense of community pride filling the air.
Coach LaRose summed it up perfectly:
“Every year, I’m amazed by how our town continues to rally behind these families. It’s about more than volleyball — it’s about being there for each other.”
