Badger News

Did you hear the buzz??

The Badger Region is partnering with the Side-Out Foundation (SOF) to raise funds to support research for patients living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). MBC is the most advanced form of breast cancer and the least funded.

This year, the Badger Region will be designating the Saturday of each Badger Region Championship weekend as DIG PINK Saturday! We are encouraging all teams and fans to participate; by dressing in pink, pink hair ties/ribbons, pink socks, and pink shirts. We encourage everyone to wear PINK!

“The Badger Region has been an unwavering supporter since day one, their belief in us is something we deeply cherish,” said Rick Dunetz, Founder and Chief Vision Officer. “The thought of uniting all the players, parents and coaches, in the Badger Region to support Dig Pink and the Side-Out Foundation is truly special, and warms our hearts with gratitude and appreciation.”

Why is the Badger Region partnering with The Side-Out Foundation?

Metastatic breast cancer affects both men and womens, and is one of the leading causes of death among women. The Founder of the SOF, Rick Dunetz, lost his mother to Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC). In 2004 Rick’s mom, Gloria, was diagnosed with MBC. A volleyball coach at the time, Rick’s team rallied in support of his mom and their family. T
he outpouring of support, encouragement, and donations spurred Rick and his father, Brian Dunetz, to mobilize the volleyball community to see if we could help make a difference in the lives of those living with MBC. Rick’s vision was that Youthful Spirit + Passion = Purpose! This was the beginning of the Side-Out Foundation and their trademarked Dig Pink events.

“Our approach is different from many other nonprofits because we choose to fund and manage our own clinical research,” said Dunetz. We wanted to be an organization that provided help now to anyone living with MBC.

This cause hits close to many in the Badger Region.

“Unfortunately I have a long history with MBC in my family and close friends, which only strengthens my support of the work the Side-Out Foundation does,” said Jennifer Armson-Dyer, Executive Director and Commissioner of Badger Region. “The Region is proud to give SOF a platform to raise awareness and support of their mission and I know our members and participants will both enjoy the Saturday Pink-Outs and support the SOF in their fundraising efforts. I’m looking forward to seeing the pink creativity from all attendees!”

How can you help?

• Purchase a special edition Badger Region Championship PINK tournament t-shirt. A portion of each shirt sold will be donated directly to the Side-Out Foundation.
• Create Your Clubs’ Fundraising Campaign NOW. Teams that are registered for the Badger Region Championship can create an online fundraising portal for their respective club. It is a very simple process, Amy Markland from the SOF is happy to help clubs set up their fundraising pages in support of our effort. Amy will be contacting all teams by email by February 1st and is available for any questions and support. Amy’s email is amy.markland@side-out.org.
  Challenge Your Teams by:
• Creating your own Dig Pink fundraising page and sharing your fundraising efforts with those in your local community.
• Set a fundraising goal for your club.
• Challenge the teams in your club to compete for top fundraiser in your club.
• The SOF will award prizes to the top three fundraising teams, and recognize the top fundraising club.
• Stop by the Dig Pink booth and learn how to host your own high school or club Dig Pink event.
  These ideas are all great ways for your teams to work together, build lasting memories, and support an organization that is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those living with MBC. All while playing a sport we all love, volleyball.
  For more information about the Side-Out Foundation, please visit their website at www.side-out.org. You can also follow SOF on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube.
  
  We look forward to seeing our Badger Nation rally together to help support this Dig Pink event!