Cooper's DIG PINK® fundraising efforts rank #1 In nation

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- The John Cooper School volleyball team's fundraising efforts for breast cancer research ranked them the #1 high school in the country, according to the Side-Out Foundation/Dig Pink®. The team's fifth annual Dig Pink® event, held October 9, 2015, raised more than $30,000, doubling last year's efforts.

The school-wide event features a week of pink-themed activities, culminating with varsity volleyball's Dig Pink® game. The team's fundraising efforts topped out at $30,515.43 for the #1 fundraising spot nationally, and #1 in Texas for the fourth consecutive year.

Funds were not only donated nationally to the Side-Out Foundation, but $7,629 of the total was donated to The Rose, a local nonprofit breast cancer organization dedicated to providing mammography screening, diagnosis, early access to treatment and support to all women regardless of their ability to pay.

"Dig Pink® fundraising efforts were spearheaded by the volleyball team, but the support and generosity of the entire Cooper community behind them made reaching their goal and beyond, a true community effort," said Scott Holland, Cooper interim athletic director.

In addition, senior volleyball players Annie Jared and Taylor Turner, were selected Side-Out Ambassadors out of just 15 named nationwide. The Side-Out Ambassador Program is for students who are focused on uniting their communities, inspiring those around them, fundraising for The Side-Out Foundation's initiatives and gives students a chance to receive recognition and scholarship funds.

The Side-Out Foundation is an organization that coordinates fundraising events for volleyball teams. Fundraising included T-shirt sales, donations and fun activities at the game and during the week.

The team will don pink jerseys once again at their game versus St. John's on Oct. 20 as they pair up with the Side-Out Foundation/Dig Pink® to host their sixth annual Dig Pink® event.