A youth football team showed its support for breast cancer awareness over the weekend on and off the field.
The Rebels of the South East Valley Youth Football and Cheer League donned its pink jerseys in its game against the Legacy on Saturday, and on Sunday they walked as a team in the 19th annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in downtown Phoenix. About 36 people, including players and family members, walked on Sunday. As a team, they raised $1,385 in donations for Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
"The coaches had said for awhile they wanted to get involved in a charity," parent Kerri Hogan said. "The boys were absolutely excited to do it. Some wore pink shoe laces, had pink tape under their eyes, and they understood what it meant and what the cause was."
I believe the affect will be seen years down the line. Having kids participate in fundraising for a cause like Race for the Cure and seeing the results in monetary donations could potentially instill a sense of charity that could stay with them the rest of their lives.
Parents as well as teachers realize this. I have been to a countless number of Kyrene schools over the years to cover fundraisers or volunteer events. What I've noticed is a lot of the kids are genuienly excited to be there and help out. I think it stems from the fact children are very visual. Signing a check probably doesn't have the same affect as something hands-on like putting together lunches for a shelter or showing off their pink jerseys in a football game.
Hogan, and partner Michelle Williams, came up with the idea of wearing pink jerseys. Then, after hearing about the idea, the company Hogan works for, Tazmanian Freight, decided to donate the jerseys.
"We handed the jerseys out about two weeks ago and they were so excited, I know some wore them to school on Monday," Hogan said.
The team is coached by Jason Hutchens and assistant coaches Jason Saxton and Rob Edens.
• Contact writer: (480) 898-4903 or troemhild@ahwatukee.com
