"The idea just hit me in the back of the head," said WCHS athletic director Jim Grooms.  "So last year I put it all together in two weeks and we raised $520 for the foundation. This year we've had more time to plan and will hopefully raise more." Last year Grooms had two weeks to put the event together. 

He quickly put in some calls and learned that October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  He then put in an order for pink T-shirts for the girls and the administration.  

"I handed the girls the shirts right after warm-ups on the night of the game," said Grooms.  "They didn't know it was coming and were very excited about it. "One of the moms had also given the girls pink socks to wear during the game and then the Millbrook coach had brought pink and white ribbons for all the girls to wear." The Wildcats' game at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 13 is against Northwestern District rival Millbrook High School again this year.  The Wildcats will trade in their traditional maroon uniforms for pink ones in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

Admission to the game will be free with donations being accepted to the Komen foundation. "My goal is to fill both sides of the bleachers with fans and people from the community," said Grooms. In addition to the free admission charge the WCHS Keyettes will have a table outside the gym selling the traditional pink ribbons, pins,  bracelets and little teddy bears. The proceeds from the table will be combined with the donations received from admissions and WCHS will make one big contribution.  

They will also be sponsoring two raffles in which the proceeds will go to the Komen foundation.  The first one is a Longaberger Basket raffle and the Keyettes will be selling tickets throughout the entire month of October; the winning ticket will be drawn on Nov. 1.   The second raffle, for a pink ribbon cake, will be held during the volleyball game.  

"We want the community to come out and support the girls and the cause, " said Grooms.  "We are turning this into a 'goodwill offering' game and with the help of the Keyettes will hopefully have a bigger donation this year." Grooms is looking to expand the annual Breast Cancer Awareness game into a district wide program.

Next year he's going to bring up the idea for the Northeastern District to pick a home game for each school to sponsor the Komen foundation. "Eventually I'm hoping to promote this to the regional and state level as well," said Grooms. The public is encouraged to attend the game on Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m. to support the girls and the cause.  

Grooms is also encouraging everyone who attends the game to wear pink in support of the search for the cure of breast cancer.

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