Colorado’s volleyball team has been busy practicing in the gym this spring, but has still found time to give back to the community during this eventful time.
In March, the Buffs volunteered at the EXPAND banquet, assisting with duties such as helping to set-up, serve food and drink and interact with members of the group. EXPAND is the Boulder Parks and Recreation activity group for children and young adults with disabilities. The program helps people with disabilities improve and gain new recreation and leisure skills that will enhance the participant’s overall well-being and to improve their quality of life.
Members of the team also went for a visit at Colorado Children’s Hospital in Aurora, Colo., on April 9, spreading joy to those patients who are receiving care there. Three athletes, Stephanie Shadley, Alexa Smith and Rachel Whipple, participated in Read with the Buffs this spring as well. Read with the Buffs is a reading incentive program for local elementary students.
“The outreach that we have been able to do doesn’t just help in the community, it helps us as individuals,” senior Joslyn Hayes said. “At the EXPAND banquet, I’ve never danced that much without caring if I looked silly or not; I was having fun with new found friends. When we got to the hospital and talked with young children and their families, we were greeted with smiles and admiring strength. These outreach opportunities are inspiring. I appreciate the opportunity to get to experience such wonderful people in my community.”
“We have been given multiple opportunities this year to serve our community and be involved, which has been a great learning experience and a lot of fun,” senior Stephanie Shadley said. “There have been so many things we have been able to do, and my favorite was going with Buff Hugs to the Children’s Hospital and seeing kids light up with a smile after walking in with Chip.”
In addition to the community service, the volleyball team penned thank you notes to donors as a part of CU’s thank-a-thon. The thank-a-thon is designed to show CU Buff Club members CU’s gratitude for their generosity that assists with the costs of scholarships and overall programmatic support.
The Buffs wrap-up their spring schedule this week with a pair of matches. OnApril 21, CU will take on Northern Colorado at 6 p.m. in Greeley, Colo. Then onApril 22, the Buffs will play one final spring match in Boulder. They will host Wyoming at 12 p.m. in the George Boedecker Court, which is the upper court in the practice facility. Admission and parking are free.
About Colorado Athletics Community Outreach
CU Athletics is proud to serve our community in a manner that will enrich the lives of those we engage with through our targeted programs and outreach. The Buffs are focused on making a positive local impact in the state of Colorado, with an emphasis in the Front Range, under the pillars of Youth Outreach & Education, Environmental Responsibility, and Health & Wellness. Our mission will be accomplished through the tireless efforts of our current and former student-athletes, coaches, spirit squads, athletic department staff and partners who are dedicated to making a difference.
CU’s community outreach programs include Ralphie’s Kid Roundup, Chip’s Kids Club and Read with the Buffs while CU also holds community events and sends student-athletes out in the community. For more information and questions please contact Rachel Ripken, Community Outreach Coordinator, at[email protected] or 303-492-1976.
About the Buff Club
The Buff Club exists to secure philanthropic funding that directly supports CU Athletics in its mission to deliver a world-class and comprehensive student-athlete experience. With a commitment to and an intimate understanding of CU Athletics, we connect our donors’ passions with the vision and priorities of the department by leveraging our professional expertise in a uniquely personal way.
The mission of the Buff Club is to strategically grow our support base while increasing philanthropic giving for CU Athletics. To learn more about the Buff Club, visit www.cubuffclub.com or call 303-492-2200.
News courtesy of Colorado Athletics.
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