Winchester GVB 11th Annual Serve for the Cure match vs Lexington

the event started to raise money/have an event to support the fight against breast cancer, raise awareness, and fundraise to help in anyway we could.  The first two years, money was donated to Susan G. Komen but we decided to target the money to a more local organization that may directly help out a person in our community or surrounding communities.  Therefore, over the last 9 years, we have raised money for the Winchester Hospital Breast Care Center.  WHBCC is actually located a town over in Woburn but they support Winchester and a number of surrounding towns.

 

 Yesterday, it was just the varsity match so approximately 30 between Winchester and Lexington.  Due to this year’s crazy schedule because of COVID, our FR/JV SFTC matches don’t happen until 4/22.  But again, another 45-55 or so students will take part in the matches.

 

 Every year is different and this year is quite different!  We are only allowed two people in the gym per student and we cannot have guest speakers (a nurse or workers from WHBCC typically speak), raffles that students usually help with, National Anthem (sung by a student), or pre-game announcements (also done typically by our players)…   Therefore, the student engagement was a little less than normal.  One of our captains created content for social media/flyers, posts were shared via social from players, they helped with shirt jersey designs, collecting money, etc.  The best part of the event is actually after the event where we are usually invited to WHBCC to get a tour of the center and drop off our donation.  It is an eye opening experience for the girls and we all leave inspired by the doctors, nurses, and staff as well as the folks going into the center to get treatment.

 

 Breast cancer, unfortunately, impacts almost everyone in some way shape or form at some point during their lives.  We usually play the game in October, bc awareness month, so that was a natural pick.  Part of the rational was that my mother had to go through breast cancer treatment and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.  Luckily, my mother was able to get through it and is healthy now but I also never want to see a former player have to go through it either.  I know we aren’t going to cure it raising the limited funds that we do but we can help the fight so we will continue to do so unless there is a cure.

***In the first ten years, we have raised over $33,600 for support Susan G. Komen and WHBCC.  Hopefully this year’s event(s) will continue to build on that number!