Local health organizations receive proceeds from 2009 Pink in the Rink

Photo ID: Kneeling: Pat Aubry, Pat Inglis, Zac MacVoy, Brad Cooper; Standing: Mitch Edmondson, Jeff Woods, Greg McQuiggin, Sue Atkins-Wagner, Trisha Gough, Marla Bunker, Mary Jo Bark, Danna Sanderson and John Scrymgeour. Photo courtesy of John Shibley, LSSU 

SAULT STE. MARIE – Nine local health and wellness organizations will share $8,000 in proceeds from Lake Superior State’s second annual Pink in the Rink event, which was held during last October’s hockey series against Ohio State.

Nearly $30,000 has been raised during the two Pink in the Rink events, which are co-sponsored by the Chippewa County Community Foundation. LSSU’s Pink in the Rink, which was formulated two years ago by cancer survivors Danna Sanderson and Ann Jakaitis, along with Stan Jakaitis, promotes women’s health. Local vendors set up booths at the Norris Center and donate gift baskets. The Laker hockey team dons pink jerseys in support of cancer awareness. Not only do several campus groups get involved in the weekend series, but employees from the Kinross Correctional Facility and Chippewa Correctional Facility donated $2,000 raised from dress down days.

Cancer awareness has sparked a revolution on college campuses, particularly at athletics venues. LSSU’s volleyball, softball and basketball teams also held “pink” events tied in with the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The NCAA News recognized the GLIAC “Pink Wave” for raising more than $10,000 for the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund.

The following groups received proceeds from the 2009 Pink in the Rink: War Memorial Hospital, Road to Recovery, Girls on the Run, Diane Peppler Shelter, Sault Health Adolescent Care Center, Chippewa County Health Department, Chippewa County Health Access Coalition, LSSU Health Care Center and Building a Healthier Community.

The 2010 Pink in the Rink is Oct. 22-23 when the Lakers play host to Colgate. The steering committee is expanding and seeking volunteers. Please contact Sanderson at Leitz Sports Center, 632-8291 or leitz@sault.com, for more information.