DOWNEY - Downey High School will host its fourth annual Dig Pink event Thursday, Oct. 25, in support of breast cancer research and awareness.Since 2010, Downey has raised more than $33,000 for the Side-Out Foundation, a non-profit organization that funds research for breast cancer almost entirely through the sport of volleyball. In 2012, the Vikings were the top fundraising team in the nation, with a grand total of $15,345.74. "This is the sixth year for the Dig Pink Rally and Downey has been with us for four of those years," said Rick Dunetz, executive director of the Side-Out Foundation. "They adopted Dig Pink as part of their volleyball season, and each year they play Warren High School, one of their biggest rivals, on the day of Dig Pink. The enthusiasm, heart and effort that go into this event is hard to beat." Downey coach Andrea Sims said she embraces the "feeling of community" inspired by Dig Pink. "There is still a rivalry between the teams, but for that one night, we are united and our ultimate goal is to impact the lives of women and men dealing with breast cancer," she said. "It is especially rewarding to know that our efforts are helping to fund a clinical trial for patients with metastatic breast cancer. We plan to continue 'Digging Pink' for years to come." The game starts at 7 p.m. in the Downey High gym. For more information, contact Dawn Rentrop at dawn.rentrop@side-out.org or (877) 344-7465, ext. 117.

********** Published: Oct. 17, 2013 - Volume 12 - Issue 27