South’s volleyball team has had Saturday’s non-conference match against visiting Berkshire circled since the start of the 2017 season. The non-conference showdown features two competitive squads, but it’s the cause that has the Rebels even more excited.
The two teams will use the match as a fundraiser for a 4-year old girl battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).
“We ran the same event two years ago, when my great niece, Bella, was hospitalized and was under the care of A Special Wish Foundation,” said South coach Bill Behrend. “They were doing great things, doing food drops to area hospitals for families stuck in the hospital, sending families on outings, and granting wishes.”
South coordinated the event with the Cleveland Chapter of A Special Wish, a non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to granting the wishes of children under the age of 21 who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening disorder.
“Volley for the Cure is big in Ohio, but it was just a little too big for us,” Behrend said. “We wanted to bring our fundraiser closer to home, something the players could see where the money goes and how it helps. We raised a lot of money then. It helped pay for my great niece and another child to go to Disney, and a pool, so another child could do his therapy at home. This year we are going to meet Skylar, a little 4-year old girl who is looking to go to Disney on November 1. She is currently in remission, but she battled with ALL. Giving back to the community is big for us. We try to do as much as we can, and this event does a lot to help people in need right now.”
In addition to a basket auction, which includes donated items from professional athletes, local businesses and even a vacuum cleaner and an Amazon Fire tablet, the event features some unique opportunities for attending fans.
Photo opportunities will be available with Disney Princesses and Star Wars characters and fans can indulge in a cupcake bar, bake sale and the typical concessions.
Players in uniform receive free admission and those wearing any type of “cause” t-shirt may enter with a donation in any amount.
The freshman match begins at 10:00 a.m. with junior varsity and varsity to follow. The Disney Princesses and Star Wars characters are scheduled to appear at noon.
Baskets, which will be awarded between the second and third sets of the varsity match, include:
- JR Smith Autographed Jersey
- Corey Coleman Autographed Football
- Dyson Vacuum Cleaner
- Movie Basket
- Lottery Basket
- Chocolate Basket
- Buckeye Chocolate Basket
- Minor League Ticket Package
- Amazon Fire Tablet
- Tickets to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
- Holden Arboretum
- One Free Plane Ride/Tour through Lost Nation Airport
- Premier Jewelry Basket
- Panera Gift Cards
- Hair Salon Basket
- School Store Gift Bag
- Rebel Families Gift Basket
- Rebel Sports Baskets
