Oak Forest High School Hosts "Pink Game" for Cancer Awareness

On Friday, October 15th, the Oak Forest High School Bengals played their Bremen High School District 228 rival; the Tinley Park Titans. They defeated the Titans with a final score of 22-14, but this was just icing on the cake after a long night of celebration in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month which takes place yearly in October.

You see, the Bengals had invited the community to its "Pink Game."

Throughout the week, students and staff had been gearing up for the game by purchasing pink Bengal spirit wear. Then, at the game, attendees could purchase pink cotton candy, take a photo in a giant pink inflatable chair for $1.00, or buy a Nothing Bundt Cake.

Proceeds from the evening and the spirit-wear sales were then presented to the American Cancer Society at halftime resulting in an $850.00 donation that will go towards Breast Cancer research, survivors, and awareness.

Funds were raised through the help of Oak Forest High School's DECA and Pep Club, but the idea for the evening came from the school's new Assistant Principal of Teaching & Learning, Mr. Mike Boniface.

Mike's mom is a Breast Cancer Survivor and for the last 15 years, his family has participated in an American Cancer Society Walk.

"I kind of just went around to our staff and different classrooms and said, 'Hey this is something I'm passionate about. Raise your hand if you've also been impacted by cancer in some way and want to help?'" Said Boniface.

Aside from the Pink Game, Oak Forest High School students and staff members also volunteered at the American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Walk this year. They cheered on walkers throughout the day and provided moral support from the sidelines.

According to the American Cancer Society, "One in three people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime." To learn more about how you can support cancer survivors and research, click here.