By Lauren Sabattini and Anna Williams
“Not only did we raise a lot of money, but we raised a lot of awareness for breast cancer,” said freshman Annie Breger of the annual Pinkout football game at San Benito High School on Oct.3. Before the football game that evening, at school many faculty, staff and students wore pink to help raise awareness. There were also students who dyed their hair pink just for this special day.
“I saw a lot of people wearing pink at school, and that was pretty cool to see appreciation for breast cancer,” said Breger. On Senior Mound, ASB students sold pink roses to raise money. Later that night at the football game, the varsity football team wore pink socks. At halftime, the freshman team released balloons on the field to remember those who lost their lives to breast cancer. During the releasing of the balloons, senior Emily McMath sang an emotional song. There were many students and teachers wearing pink apparel, and the big “H” on the field was painted pink.
“I thought that it was really nice how the whole school and community came together to show how important breast cancer awareness is,” said Breger.
Former Baler Mary Andrade, who is now a staff member at San Benito High School said she had a vision three years ago after watching the NFL football games on TV and how the athletes wore pink to promote cancer awareness. She wanted Hollister to do the same, so she got many of the schools in the community involved as well as the Hollister Downtown Association. She finalized it at the football game and called it “Tackle for a Cure,”
“I’ve been touched by breast cancer personally with a lot of people,” said Andrade, whose mother was diagnosed with breast cancer when Andrade was 16 and passed away 10 years ago. “I’m a real advocate because I know a lot of women had left their children so this is why I love being involved in Hope for a Cure,” she said.
Freshman football player Dawson Biersdorff said that Pinkout Day was special to him because when he looked in the stands, all he saw was pink, which showed how much people care and want to fight for a cure.
Even though the varsity football team lost to Salinas 17-14, many people still believed it was a successful Pinkout day and game.