Lady Bisons host Pack the House night Feb. 11 to promote cancer research
Janel Shoun |
Lipscomb’s Lady Bison basketball team has set Monday night, Feb. 11 as “THINK PINK / PACK THE HOUSE for Cancer Awareness” Night in Allen Arena. The Lady Bisons will face the UNF Lady Ospreys at 7:00, but the night is about far more than basketball.
“Breast cancer and other types of the disease have affected so many of us, we want to do something to make a difference,” said Lady Bison Miriam McAlister. “We’ve chosen this night to focus attention, to raise money for research, and to encourage steps toward prevention.”
The “PACK THE HOUSE” event is part of an NCAA initiative for women’s basketball, but the Lady Bisons chose to blend it with the “THINK PINK” effort championed by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association. Lipscomb is partnering with Baptist Sports Medicine, the healthcare provider for Allen Arena, to raise money and to increase exposure for St. Thomas Health Services’ Oncology Institute.
Lipscomb Athletics’ corporate sponsors have jumped on board, offering prizes and giveaways to ensure an entertaining night. Chick-fil-A in Brentwood in bringing their famous cow to present lucky winners with “Free Chick-fil-A for a Year.” Hampton Inn in Brentwood has offered a one-night getaway for some lucky season ticket holders. Vietti Foods has donated a gift card for free Blockbuster video rentals for one year, and the Lipscomb Bookstore has promised free textbooks for one semester to a lucky winning student.
Lipscomb students are also picking up the torch. The SGA and President Garner Goode are sponsoring free “Think Pink / Pack the House” t-shirts for the first 500 students and supplying cash prizes for in-game promotions. Several service and social clubs are making plans for special involvement, and at least three women’s athletic teams are planning their own pink attire.
A business class is even directing the planning for the event. Thirteen members of John Crawford’s “Promotional Strategies” class have met regularly for the past three weeks to organize this first-of-its-kind event with Paul Nance, Director of Athletic Marketing.
“I’m tremendously impressed by the creativity and the work ethic of these student,” said Nance. “They have taken this project as their own and I’m very proud of their initiative.”
Area churches have been invited personally by members of the student committee, and local civic clubs are also encouraged to attend. Adult ticket prices are reduced to $2.00, with all proceeds benefitting the cause. Pink jugs will be available throughout the arena for additional contributions.
Sodexho, the campus food provider, has moved Monday night dinner to the Student Activity Center as part of the pregame “Tailgate Party and Concert for the Cause.” Cold Steel, a band compiled primarily of Bison baseball players, has donated their talent for the concert.
“We’re glad to help out,” said Caleb Joseph, a standout on the baseball team and a band member. “I promise you, we would be there anyway – we might as well play some music while we’re there. Good or bad, we promise to be entertaining.”
For more information, please contact Paul Nance (paul.nance@lipscomb.edu or (615) 966-5967).