Number of Participants: 52
Hours Donated: 10
Value of Time Served: $4,394
Event Type: Health & Medicine
Sport: Ice Hockey
Date: January 20, 2024
Location:
Reading Memorial High School
Oakland Road, Reading
Massachusetts
About:
Pink the Rink in Reading has been a tradition for approximately 12 years. In the past, the team’s captains and parents would select a charitable organization to receive the teams donations. However, in the previous year, the team decided to collaborate with the Ellie Fund, drawn to their mission and strong community focus, particularly within the Reading community. Pink the Rink serves as a meaningful opportunity for the student-athletes to give back to their community, and they aspire to cultivate a lasting partnership with the Ellie Fund.
Both the team and the RMHS boys’ team actively participate in this event. Frequently, their opponents choose to use pink tape during the games to show their support and align with the cause. In preparation for the event, the team engages in various fundraising activities outside of the actual day, creates posters and decorations, and assists in setting up the rink for the event. They also organize raffle prizes, with the proceeds directed towards the Ellie Fund. Each player dedicates their performance in honor of someone who has battled or is currently battling cancer. At the start of each game, they announce who each player is playing for and which coach is coaching for them. Additionally, there is an honoree wall bearing the names of these individuals.
The team invests approximately 10 hours of work into the event’s preparations, including planning, poster creation, rink decoration, and raffle ticket sales. The captains and their parents play pivotal roles as leaders of the event, dedicating a substantial amount of time and effort to its success.
Captains Libby Quinn and Al Sumner explained the significance of the cause to the student-athletes:
“Every member of the team plays for someone who has battled or is currently battling cancer, making it a profoundly personal and relevant cause in everyone’s lives. It goes beyond the abstract concept of fighting cancer; it’s about honoring someone we know as a resilient fighter. We approach the game with a deeper connection to the individuals we are playing for.
The battle against cancer continues, and raising awareness remains crucial. We contribute a substantial amount of funds to support this cause.
While it can be a somber occasion and a time for reflection, it also brings our team together and unites our community. Ultimately, it’s about reflection and connection.”
