Dexter Women's Soccer Team Raises $1,500 for American Cancer Society

By Madeline Judge

Many of us have been touched by cancer in some way, shape, or form, and the Dexter Women’s Soccer program is no exception. Friends, family members, and teammates have bravely fought cancer, and have inspired players and families to organize an annual fundraiser to benefit the American Cancer Society for the past two years.

This year, the event was hosted at during the SEC match-up against Saline on May 8. The logo on the Dreads’ bright pink tie-dye shirts said it all: “Dexter versus Saline. Together versus Cancer.”

The “Dexter versus Saline” bit was enough incentive for many soccer fans. For those who wouldn’t normally come for the game, the opportunity to be a part of “Together versus Cancer” enticed them to come out in support of a great cause.

The Dexter players sold hot pink tie-dyed shirts, ice cream and popsicles to classmates in the days leading up to the game, and to spectators during both the junior varsity and varsity matches. A donation jar was also available near the entrance, and people were invited to sign up a team of five to participate in a relay race during halftime of the varsity game. Teams were asked to donate a minimum of $50 and could dedicate their participation in honor of a loved one.

Participants dribbled a ball through a series of cones and shot on an open net. To make the game more challenging, each person was cocooned in plastic wrap from shoulder to waist.

One participant, in an effort to challenge himself, flicked the ball over his head and attempted to volley it into the net, and promptly landed on his back. Without the use of his arms, he was forced to roll out of the way of other participants until someone helped him up.

Local businesses were gracious enough to lend their monetary support to the fundraiser, as well. Thanks to the Dexter United Methodist Church Youth Group, Loranger Family Chiropractic Health Center, , , and the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, the soccer program was able to raise more than $1,500 to donate to the American Cancer Society.

The soccer program would like to thank everyone who participated, whether you threw a few dollars in the jar, or purchased a T-shirt, or donated on behalf of your business. Every little bit adds up when your goal is to kick cancer for good. We greatly appreciate your support and hope to see you next year.