The Lee University Lady Flames volleyball team hosted their third annual Volley for the Cure game as part of Lee’s Homecoming weekend.
The event kicked off with a luncheon for breast cancer survivors. The team held a pre-game silent auction in the lobby of the Walker Arena and the ladies of Zeta Chi Lambda held a “pink party.”
Students and alumni came out to support the team in their fight for breast cancer awareness and to cheer on the Flames in their 3-0 victory over the University of Alabama Huntsville. The event has currently raised $19,000, but as money is still coming in, they hope to reach the $20,000 mark. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Mary Ellen Locher Foundation in Chattanooga, which works to raise breast cancer awareness.
Additionally, Trae Cody was awarded the Volley for the Cure Scholarship. Mr. Cody is a freshman at Lee and the son of breast cancer survivor Shelli Cody.
"I believe the event once again was a great success," said Coach Andrea Hudson. "Every year it seems to get bigger and better, and everyone seems to enjoy the festivities."
This year the team's goal was to "Paint the Town Pink" by getting more community involvement from businesses and schools in the Cleveland area. They sold pink T-shirts to raise money and advertise the event. "On Friday there were many businesses all over town that wore their pink shirts," said Coach Hudson.
As for the future of the Volley for the Cure event Coach Hudson says, "I hope this event will continue to be a part of Homecoming. There are so many students at Lee and people in our community that have been touched by breast cancer. I really feel that this foundation serves a great purpose."