Courtesy of Jason Grohoske, CACC Office

New Haven, CT – For the fifth consecutive season, the 14 members of the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) will be supporting and hosting events for the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association’s “Pink Zone” throughout the month of February. Last year over 1,800 participants came together to surpass $1,045,000 in donations and reached more than 922,000 fans across the nation. Overall, the WBCA “Pink Zone” has raised nearly $3.3 million, has reached almost 2.7 million fans, and has unified over 4,700 participants in only four years.

“Pink Zone”, formerly known as "Think Pink", began in 2007 as an initiative to raise breast cancer awareness in women's basketball, on campuses, and in communities. Kay Yow, former North Carolina State University head women's basketball coach, served as the catalyst for the initiative after her third reoccurrence of breast cancer in 2006. Throughout the CACC teams will be doing various events to support the “Pink Zone”.

On February 3^, Holy Family University held their “Pink Zone” game against Chestnut Hill College. Both the men’s and women’s teams wore pink shoe laces and sported pink t-shirts during warm-ups. The cheerleaders of Holy Family also showed their support by wearing pink shirts throughout both contests.

Post University participated in the program as part of the team’s doubleheader against Holy Family on February 12^th.

“Post University is committed to supporting the surrounding community and important programs like the WBCA’s “Pink Zone,” said Anthony Fallacaro, Post University Athletic Director. “Not only is this an educational experience for our students, it is also the perfect opportunity to share in a national project.”

Caldwell College worked in conjunction with the St. Barnabas Breast Cancer Center on February 12^th, providing information packets, pens and ribbons for those in attendance. Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) members handed out information and those in attendance from St. Barnabas were given free tickets and honored along with all breast cancer survivors and those still battling cancer.  Caldwell also handed out tattoos and stickers to support the cause, along with candy for the children in attendance.  

Both Caldwell and USciences wore t-shirts for warm ups and used pink water bottles for the game. The teams wore pink ribbon socks and pink head bands during the game in support of the “Pink Zone”. The athletes were not be the only ones decorated in pink as the Pep Band, athletic staff and fame staff wore pink and the gym was decorated with pink streamers, ribbons and balloons. The first 100 fans received pink pom poms and for a special admission price, guests were given a breast cancer ribbon shirt.

At halftime of Caldwell’s men’s game against Usci, Dave Hopla, who is a world renowned shooter, attempted to break the World Record for the most free throws made in one minute with one ball and one passer. This event was in conjunction with Coaches vs. Cancer, Autism Awareness and also the Make-A-Wish Foundation.  

Wilmington University will be hosting Chestnut Hill on February 15^th for its “Pink Zone” games. The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition will have a table set up and will hand out information regarding the fight against cancer.  Wilmington will also hand out pink ribbons to all in attendance, and both teams will warm up with specially made pink t-shirts. The women's team will wear pink shoelaces and sell mini pink basketballs. Donations will also be collected and will be given to the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition.

The Felician basketball teams will be wearing pink t-shirts in warm ups when they play against Nyack on February 15^th. They also will be asking for support and donations to support the WBCA’s “Pink Zone”.

Georgian Court University will play against Goldey-Beacom College on February 17^th,  at which athletes from both teams will wear designed t-shirts for the occasion during warm-ups. Georgian Court players will wear pink socks and the cheer team will wear pink ribbons. GCU will also conduct a raffle for gift baskets, which will include a pink and white basketball autographed by the players from both teams. GCU will also be collecting donations for the Kay Yow Fund.

SAAC members will be giving out pink ribbons and collecting donations for breast cancer awareness when Philadelphia University hosts Post on February 19^th. There will be face painting for those who wish to show their support and a make-your-own pink poster table.  Donations will be taken and anyone who gives money will be handed a pink cookie. Outside of the gymnasium there will be a Breast Cancer awareness pamphlet table decorated with pink balloons. Players from both teams, cheerleaders and the dance team will all be wearing pink t-shirts.  

Goldey-Beacom started their support on Valentine’s Day by hosting events throughout campus leading up to the Lightning hoops double-header  against Felician College on February 19^th. The GBC athletic department has partnered with the student cafeteria and the student bookstore to help spread awareness about this disease that affects approximately 1-in-8 women in the United States. In the spirit of generating awareness, the school’s cafeteria has pledged to run daily specials consisting of pink food items, and the bookstore is offering 20-percent off all pink merchandise. Information sheets will be posted and/or distributed at both of these campus spots as well as in the J. Wilbur Hirons Lobby in the athletic wing of the Joseph West Jones Center.

For the third straight season at GBC, fans are encouraged to wear pink to the games. On game day, the women’s team will wear pink socks and shoelaces with their home gold uniforms, along with a pink t-shirts for warm-ups. A pink ball will be used during warm-ups, as well.

Game officials can get involved with the program by using pink whistles during the games. Throughout the country, purchases of pink whistles have led to $45,000 in donations being contributed to the initiative over the past three years.

Chestnut Hill will host its “Pink Zone” game on February 19^th,  with both teams donning pink t-shirts and pink shoe laces. The game management and athletic communications staff will also be wearing “Pink Zone” T-shirts.  If fans wish to be a part of the event, “Pink Zone” t-shirts will be for sale in the lobby.  CHC plans to collect money and anyone who donates can choose a pink ribbon or pink cookie as a thank you.  The gameday programs will be printed on pink paper and will include background information on the event. Chestnut Hill will also recognize any cancer survivors in attendance.

On February 19, Bloomfield College will host its “Pink Zone” game against USciences. Concordia College will host “Pink Zone” games when they battle against Felician on the 23^rd of February. “Pink Zone” events will conclude on the 25^th when Dominican College welcomes Goldey-Beacom to the Hennessey Center.