East Coast Conference Presents Dig Pink Check to Side-Out Foundation
November 16, 2009
East Coast Conference Presents Dig Pink Check to Side-Out Foundation
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The ECC presents check to the Side-Out Foundation. |
Central Islip, N.Y. – The East Coast Conference presented a check in the amount of $6,255 to the Sid-Out Foundation in-between semifinal matches at the ECC Volleyball Championships on November 13. The money was raised throughout the ECC’s Dig Pink week, which spanned October 15 through October 24, and all funds raised will support the fight against breast cancer through research and education.
“The ECC has set the pace for conference involvement in the Dig Pink Initiative,” said Nila Straka, a member of the Strategic Initiative team and Breast Cancer Liaison for the Side-Out Foundation. “The ECC serves as one of our models as we strive to get more conference involvement in raising money and awareness to fight the war against breast cancer.”
The coaches from all seven ECC volleyball teams joined together to help spearhead the initiative. Each institution collected a $2 donation for admittance into Dig Pink contests as well as sold raffles and Dig Pink paraphernalia. Additionally, each team collected donations from dig sponsors who donated money based on the number of team digs in the contest.
“It was an honor to be here today to present the check to the Side-Out Foundation on behalf of the ECC Volleyball coaches,” commented Gail Wasmus, Head Volleyball Coach at NYIT. “The idea for a conference-wide Dig Pink event was something initiated by the coaches in efforts to support the cause and work together as a conference to make a difference. We are looking forward to raising even more money for the Initiative next year.”
The Dig Pink Initiative was a huge success with 100% participation from ECC member institutions. Molloy, NYIT and Mercy College led the charge, raising more than $1,000 each. The ECC volleyball teams will look to elevate the bar next season and raise even more money for the cause.
The Side-Out Foundation: The Side-Out Foundation (Side-Out) was established in 2004 by a group of individuals drawn together by their love of volleyball, but who also share a similar passion to be a part of the war against breast cancer. Side-Out’s mission is to raise money for the war against breast cancer through the recreational activity of volleyball.
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About the ECC
Founded as the New York Collegiate Athletic Conference in 1989 and rechristened the East Coast Conference in July 2006, the ECC was formed to enhance intercollegiate athletic competition among member institutions and to assist them in integrating athletics into their academic program in a fiscally sound way. The ECC is committed to the highest standards of scholarship, sportsmanship, teamwork, and citizenship. Its mission is to promote the total person concept in its student-athletes, which stresses the abilities to excel in academic achievement, athletic competition, and positive character traits. East Coast Conference members include: University of Bridgeport (Conn.); C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University (Brookville, N.Y.); Dowling College (Oakdale, N.Y.); Mercy College (Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.); Molloy College (Rockville Centre, N.Y.); New York Institute of Technology (Old Westbury, N.Y.); Queens College (Flushing, N.Y.); and St. Thomas Aquinas College (Sparkill, N.Y.).
The ECC sponsors the following championship sports: baseball; men’s and women’s basketball; men’s and women’s cross country; men’s and women’s lacrosse; softball; men’s and women’s tennis; men’s and women’s soccer; and women’s volleyball.
The East Coast Conference is a proud member of the NCAA and Division II. Division II is a dynamic and engaging group of colleges, institutions and conferences of varying sizes and educational missions. Division II members encourage and support diversity; value sportsmanship, fairness and equity; and place the highest priority on the overall educational excellence of the student-athlete.
