Massapequa’s pink power pushes for a cure as thousands are raised for breast cancer research. The power of pink took over Massapequa School District as students, staff and the school community came together to raise funds for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The effort topped off with the girls volleyball DIG PINK fundraising match, which had the biggest turnout ever in the event’s eight-year history. In pure DIG PINK fashion, the high school gymnasium was transformed into a kaleidoscope of pink as both the Junior Varsity and Varsity teams played against Syosset with pink volleyballs for an audience of pink-dressed spectators, many holding pink signs or blowup noisemakers. And the Chiefs did not disappoint, winning their matches, 25-12, 25-10 and 25-9.
Leading up to DIG PINK, schools around the district raised funds by hosting Think Pink Days and selling items such as pink wristbands and pink shoelaces. Middle and high school athletic teams dedicated a home game to increase awareness and raise money for the cause.
Since their inception eight years ago, DIG PINK and the Think Pink Days have generated more than $75,000 for the cause, according to CarolAnn Habeeb-Kiel, teacher, varsity volleyball coach and coordinator of all the fundraising efforts throughout the district. She began the effort by partnering with the Side-Out Foundation, an organization that helps fundraise and promote awareness of cancer through volleyball sporting events. From her experience, she has encouraged others to get annual checkups, which led to her mom’s diagnosis. Her mom is now a seven-year survivor.
“DIG PINK enables us to reach out to the community and 
bring awareness to every one of all ages,” said Habeeb-Kiel. “It’s an opportunity to honor the fallen, support the families, and celebrate the survivors and hold on to hope.”
Each year the DIG PINK event features a special flower ceremony where each Massapequa varsity team member presents a pink carnation to an opposing team member as a symbol of hope in the battle against breast cancer. Spectators also have the opportunity to participate in a “Stand Up to Cancer” campaign. For a small donation, they could place the name of a loved one stricken with the disease on a specially printed poster for display. The stands are crowded with posters naming hundreds of cancer victims. This year, the McKenna Show Choir sang the National Anthem, and the Chiefettes Kickline and the Varsity Cheerleaders performed for the crowd. Outside the gym, the Booster Club had a grand display of pink raffle baskets, pink confectionaries and Massapequa Chiefs clothing for sale to support the cause. Generous donations were made by local merchants and organizations, including the Massapequa Federation of Teachers and Massapequa High School’s Hall of Fame.
“Many thanks to my coaches, players, parents, booster club, local merchants and community for all their time, donations, and continued support in making this event bigger and better every year,” said Habeeb-Kiel.
-Submitted by Massapequa Public Schools
