Knowing that breast cancer is a disease that hits home for many of their peers, senior varsity volleyball players Emily Rubenbauer and Ally Dombroski decided to do something that would make a difference — raise money for breast cancer research.
The friends began working on their project at the start of the school year, and on Oct. 22, they held a successful volleyball tournament fundraiser that brought out students, teachers and administrators, all dressed in pink.
A total of 10 student teams and two administrator/teacher teams participated in the tournament, which required a $5 donation from every player. Each team had the opportunity to play two games, with three teams advancing to a final playoff round. In the end, a team made up of junior boys won.
The tournament, said the girls, raised more than $1,000, which is being donated to the SideOut Foundation, an organization that supports Stage 4 breast cancer research. Also being donated to the SideOut Foundation are funds raised through Dig Pink, a separate fundraiser in which the entire girls varsity volleyball team participated.
Emily and Ally said they now have their sights set on hosting another fundraiser in the spring, possibly a dodgeball tournament.
Courtesy of Port Jefferson Athletics Department