Megan Garcia (L) & Coach Shelly Massey
For the second year in a row, not only has the varsity right side hitter been instrumental in the Lady 'Cats top district standings, she's also headed up two very successful Pink Out fundraisers.
The Pink Out event stems from the 'Cats for the Cure initiative, which raises money for cancer awareness and research.
Tuesday, October 4th, during the bout between the LHHS Lady 'Cats and Skyline, the volleyball team will host their third annual Pink Out.
LH Today recently visited with Garcia, a take charge young lady with a big smile, and her coach, Shelly Massey.
LH Today: The birth of this annual event stemmed from teammate, Emily Obenhaus, and her diagnosis with Melanoma three years ago. Along with honoring your teammate, what else has been your inspiration for twice organizing the Pink Out event?
Garcia: Both my grandmother and great grandmother had the disease and both have passed away, so this cause means a lot to me. It's my family. Additionally, this is an awesome opportunity to lead the team, outside the court, in service because service is so important.
LH Today: Pink Out encourages everyone to purchase, and wear, the "Cats for the Cure" bright pink t-shirts. How many have been sold since the original campaign & how much has been raised?
Garcia: My best estimation, since we started this in 2009, is that close to 1,000 shirts have been sold, at $10 each... do the math! And that doesn't include straight donations. We're also still taking orders for next week's upcoming game.
LH Today: For the past two years, funds raised have gone to The Bridge, a foundation helping underprivileged women battling cancer. What about this year?
Garcia: This year we're leaning toward giving the money to MD Anderson in Houston, which is where Emily receives her treatment.
LH Today: Coach Massey, do you think the cancer research fundraiser recently hosted by Richardson High School, known as "Dig Pink Rally," was inspired by the LHHS Pink Out?
Massey: Well, it's no secret that Lake Highlands has this fundraiser, and a lot of schools raise money for cancer research via volleyball.
RHS, J.J. Pearce, and I've certainly heard about quite a few in my seven years in Texas. I think if there's inspiration, it may come from this being the third year at LHHS. Word travels.
LH Today: Megan, what have your responsibilities included in producing this event?
Megan: I designed the t-shirt, met with Davis & Stanton, the agency we used, put together and kept up with lots of email and communications, and helped with decorations for the big night.
I've also been gathering feedback on where the money should go. Aside from selling the shirts, there are a lot of forms that have to be signed and compiled.
LH Today: What are you plans following graduation?
Garcia: Well, I don't plan on playing volleyball. I visited Notre Dame over the summer, and I loved it. I'll either go there or to Texas A&M, where my sister goes. I want to go into medicine and be a pediatrician.
LH Today: Coach Massey, do you have any houghts on who might take the reins for this popular event?
Massey: The team will vote on who they want to lead the charge. They'll make sure that it's someone who's passionate about the cause, that it means something to them, and it won't get lost. If it means something to you, you'll do a great job. Megan's done a great job!
LH Today: Megan, what’s something folks may not know about you that you're willing to share?
Garcia: Well, I've been confused with a Highlandette, a junior named Meg Garcia. And that's really funny because the 'Dettes are really coordinated...
LH Today: Any last words to the community in your role as organizer of the 2011-'12 LHHS Lady 'Cats Volleyball Pink Out?
Garcia: Shirts are still on sale at school and the games and of course on the night of Pink Out. We want to see a SEA OF PINK!
The October 4th contest between the Lady 'Cats and Skyline begins at 6:00 p.m. for junior varsity; varsity will take the court at 7:00 p.m.
The Pink Out presentation will take place between the two games, at roughly 6:45 p.m.
'Cats for the Cure t-shirts are available for $10 each.
Email Megan at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to purchase yours, or get one in person at Tuesday's game.
UPDATE: Read the game & fundraising highlights from Tuesday's event on the LH Today Sports Page.
Already a member? Log in.
Forgot your password? Click here.