NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – The Niagara women's lacrosse team raised $2500 for breast cancer research during its recent "Pink Out" contest on Apr. 2 against Detroit Mercy.  All proceeds will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, an organization that has grown into the largest source of nonprofit funds committed to the fight against breast cancer in the world.
 
"It was amazing to see the community come together to help support our fight against breast cancer," said women's lacrosse manager Sarah Kenton.  "I would like to extend an enormous thank you to everyone who donated, attended the game, or contributed in any way. It was a huge group effort, and would not have been possible without those who helped."

In addition to accepting donations from the community, the Purple Eagles organized fundraisers prior to the event such as bake sales and t-shirt sales, and held raffles and giveaways.  The money raised will go back into the local community through Komen's Western New York chapter. 

While raising money for their cause, the Purple Eagles also took time out of their schedule during the season to volunteer for the Western Region Special Olympics Basketball Tournament at the Clearfield Recreation Center in Williamsville, N.Y.  The Niagara student-athletes assisted with the skills competition and ushered athlete groups to these events, while also handing out ribbons at the conclusion of competition. 

"One of the main tenets of our program is the idea of service. We are very fortunate to be members of the Niagara University community, and with that privilege comes the responsibility of giving back to the community," head coach Wendy Stone said.  "Our junior class is charge of organizing our Community Service Efforts for the year, and we embarked on three major projects—Skating with SABAH, working at the Western Region Special Olympics Basketball Tournament and our Pink Game in support of the Susan G. Komen Foundation."
 
"Our Pink Game as well as our work with the Western Region Special Olympics and SABAH is completely student-athlete driven, organized, and executed events," added Stone.  "I wanted to recognize the efforts our team as a whole, but in particular Nicole Fiorini, Sarah Kenton, Paige Sasser, and Emily Fleetwood's hard work in making these days happen."