WHS Girls' Volleyball Team Sponsors 6th Annual "Pink Out" Tournament for Breast Cancer Awareness: Fundraising Effort Inspired By Valiant Coach

by Stacey Boretz

The Westfield High School Girls’ Volleyball Team is sponsoring its sixth annual volleyball tournament, known as “Pink Out” on Friday October 17, 2014, to raise funds and promote public awareness as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month begins in October.

“Pink Out” was initiated six years ago as a tribute to the girls’ inspirational Coach Bev Torok. Six years ago, Torok revealed to her team that she was diagnosed with breast cancer and pledged to battle the deadly disease. The team marveled at their coach’s bravery and unyielding spirit as she continued to work while she recuperated from surgery and endured rounds of debilitating chemotherapy. After her doctors declared her cancer-free, Torok enlisted the team’s help to bring more public awareness about breast cancer and to raise funds to fight it.

The first Westfield High School volleyball match for breast cancer raised more than $8000, the second over $12,000, and each year since then the amount raised by the team has continued to climb. Last year’s event raised more than $28,000. As a result of the team’s continued efforts to raise both money and awareness, they were honored by the Susan G. Komen Foundation at a dinner on September 11, 2013. This year’s Pink Out event is planned for Friday, Oct 17th when the freshmen team, junior varsity and varsity teams play on their home court against neighbor and rival Union Catholic High School.

The Freshmen game begins at 4:00 p.m., the JV game at 5:30 p.m., and the Varsity game at approximately 7:00 p.m. A serving contest will be held after the JV game and winners will receive prizes donated from local merchants. There will also be a refreshment stand, and a Chinese auction for baskets of prizes. In addition, breast cancer survivors will be honored in a special procession lead by Coach Torok at the conclusion of the event.

The event is open to the public and tickets can be purchased at the door. Anyone wearing pink is admitted free. All proceeds will go to Susan G. Komen Foundation. Come out and support this very worthy cause!!!!

PINK OUT: October 17, 2014 at Westfield High School Gymnasium, 550 Dorian Road, Westfield