VENTURA: The Ventura College Women’s Basketball Team and the Ventura College Psychology Club are joining the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association’s national Pink Zone fight against breast cancer by hosting an evening of Breast Cancer Awareness on February 4. All proceeds raised during the event will be contributed to the Ribbons of Life Breast Cancer Foundation, a local 501(c)3 charitable organization.

More than 1,100 schools and organizations participated in the 2008 “Think Pink” events, up from just 120 in 2007, and even more are expected to participate in the 2009 WBCA's "Pink Zone" initiative. Each school may choose their own activities to raise awareness. Many schools have partnered with local charities to make any donations raised through the WBCA's "Pink Zone" initiative at their individual school.

The WBCA's "Pink Zone" initiative is a global, unified effort for the WBCA's nation of coaches to assist in raising breast cancer awareness on the court, across campuses, in communities and beyond. The week set aside for this year's initiative is February 13 - 22, however many schools are participating outside of that window due to scheduling conflicts.

In the morning, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:20 a.m., breast cancer survivor, author and educator Lisa Barreto will speak to the Human Sexuality Class about breast cancer and its impact. The event will be held in the Ventura College Lecture Hall UV-2, and is free to all attendees.

During the evening, beginning at 5:00 p.m. in the Athletic Events Center on the Ventura College campus, various local organizations involved in the detection and treatment of breast cancer, health and wellness and support groups will have information tables; families and friends of victims and survivors will have the opportunity to make large Valentines’ Day hearts to honor those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer; and contributions to the Ribbons for Life Breast Cancer Foundation will be collected. All donors to the Ribbons for Life Breast Cancer Foundation will receive a pink ribbon from either one of the players or one of the members of the Psychology Club.

In the evening, the Ventura College women’s basketball team will play the L.A. Pierce women’s basketball team beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the lower level of the Athletic Event Center. There will be a silent auction of sports memorabilia, specially printed t-shirts and sweatshirts, and donated items from retailers in the community. In addition, at half-time, there will be a 50/50 raffle, a special acknowledgement of those who have encountered breast cancer and those who have received the Lesley Paarmann Breast Cancer Education Scholarship, and a Survivor’s Victory Lap around the gym floor. Awarded annually through the Ventura College Foundation, the scholarship was named to honor a woman whose recurring battle with cancer has motivated those who knew and loved her – and is the first academic scholarship awarded in the nation that encourages a breast cancer survivor to further his or her education. All fans are encouraged to wear pink to the game to honor breast cancer victims. Both teams will be acknowledging this special event.

The NCAA has also joined the WBCA Pink Zone™ initiative by implementing the "Calling for a Cure" campaign and officials were encouraged to make a donation to the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund™, the officially selected recipient of the WBCA Pink Zone events. The NCAA raised $25,000 during their 2008 "Calling for a Cure" campaign.
Local sponsors for the Ventura College event include Gold Coast Broadcasting, the Ventura County Star, the VC Reporter, Lazer Broadcasting, Long’s Drug #231 on Ashwood Avenue, Cumulus Media, and the Ventura College Foundation. Any potential donors to the silent auction should contact Assistant Coach Robin Hester at 805-654-6400 ext. 3271.

For additional information:
1) on the national Pink Zone event: http://www.wbca.org/pinkzone.asp
2) on the Ventura College Think Pink event: VCweplayhard.com
3) on Ribbons of Life: ribbonsventura.org.
4) on Ventura College: venturacollege.edu.