Nov. 12, 2007

CLEVELAND, Tenn. - The stands of the Paul Dana Walker Arena on the Lee University campus were "packed with pink" on Nov. 2 as Lee University and Berry College played their conference volleyball match to raise money for the Mary Ellen Locher Foundation in Chattanooga which works to raise breast cancer awareness.

"As of right now we have raised about $17,000," said Lee Coach Andrea Hudson. "We far exceeded our goal of $10,000."

"It was great to see the community get behind this cause," said Hudson. To show their support, spectators wore pink t-shirts with "Volley For The Cure" printed on the front. The shirts were sold for a donation at the university and in the Cleveland community for weeks prior to the event.

During the game, the Mary Ellen Locher Foundation awarded a scholarship to Gretchon Higdon, a student and volleyball player from nearby Ooltewah High School. Higdon's mother is a two-time survivor of breast cancer. The foundation awards annual scholarships to children whose parents were lost to or are survivors of breast cancer in an effort to relieve the financial burden that is put on families in this situation.

The success of this event was made possible people and organizations throughout the Cleveland community, said Hudson. "All over town on Friday I saw people wearing their pink shirts. The radio stations also did a wonderful job in helping us pack the stands in pink that night," said Hudson. "The week before the game, local high schools got really involved. The principals, teachers, coaches, and volleyball players helped raise awareness at their schools. It was amazing to see how much support we received from the community."

This event was organized by Zandra Whaley, Hudson's sister who works at the Plastic Surgery Center of Cleveland with breast cancer patients.