Downey High top in Dig Pink fundraising

DOWNEY - Downey High School was the top fundraising school in the nation for the 2012 Dig Pink Rally, raising more than $15,300 to fight breast cancer.Downey High began Dig Pink fundraising in 2010 at the urging of volleyball coach Andrea Sims. The fundraiser culminates with a heated volleyball game between rivals Downey and Warren High School. "I figured if we could put that much effort into wanting to destroy the other team, then we could combine our passion and use it to raise awareness for a worthy cause," said Sims. "For one night, no more school colors, just packing the place pink." Proceeds from Dig Pink benefit the Side-Out Foundation, which works to advance clinical trials and increase patient support services for breast cancer patients and their families. "Just as throwing a pebble onto a lake seems of little consequence while the ripples continue to make their way to the distant shore, so was the beginning of the Dig Pink fundraiser back in September 2010," said Sims, an English teacher. "Five thousand dollars was that pebble in an ocean of want for those lost to or fighting breast cancer, but for DHS volleyball, the ripple effect has produced healing not only between our two rival high schools but has helped our community unite behind a common goal." Nationwide, high schools, middle schools and colleges raised more than $1.1 million for the Side-Out Foundation this year.

********** Published: May 16, 2013 - Volume 12 - Issue 05