NETWORKERS TO HOLD ANNUAL PINK JERSEY AUCTION THIS WEEK
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Illini Networkers, volleyball’s dedicated support group, will host a set of silent auctions at this week’s matches, where fans will have the chance to bid on special-edition pink jerseys that will be worn in the annual Breast Cancer Awareness match onOct. 22 against Purdue, as well as a number that will not be worn in the match. All benefits will go to the Mills Breast Cancer Institute in Urbana, Ill., which helps local breast cancer patients. Donations will also be accepted at the auction tables throughout both matches.
The silent auction will feature 25 special-edition jerseys, including 20 of which will be pink with navy lettering and five navy libero jerseys with pink lettering, including the No. 3 jersey to be worn by libero Brandi Donnelly and four backup libero jerseys. The auction begins when doors open at 6 p.m. tonight at the North end of Huff Hall. Fans will have an additional chance to bid on Saturday, with the auction re-opening with the doors at 6 p.m. and concluding at the start of the third set. The winners will be announced following the conclusion of Saturday’s match.
The highest bidder on each jersey will have the opportunity to select the name of their choice to be placed on the back, and 16 of those jerseys will be worn by the player with that number when the Illini take on Purdue on Saturday, Oct. 22. Due to NCAA compliance regulations, the chosen name may not match the last name of the player wearing the jersey, even if a different first initial is added in front of the last name. Similarly, nicknames of any kind will not be accepted. Jerseys will be laundered after the match and subsequently distributed to the winners.
Nine more limited-edition jerseys, including pink jerseys sporting Nos. 3, 6, 11, 15 and 19, as well as navy Nos. 2, 10, 13 and 21 jerseys will also be up for bid.
The Illini have hosted an annual Breast Cancer Awareness match every October for several seasons. Last year’s event raised over $4600 for Mills Breast Cancer Institute, and the Orange and Blue hope to top that figure once again this season.
The Mills Breast Cancer Institute, located at Carle Hospital in Urbana, was built on a vision of providing expert care close to home. The team includes experts in oncology, breast imaging, reconstructive surgery, genetics, research and support services, giving patients the tools they need in the fight against breast cancer. MBCI is committed to providing patients with comprehensive treatment tailored to their needs, while creating an environment where patients and families can find the support and resources necessary to heal and cope with breast cancer. For more information, visit the MBCI website.
Fans who would like to support the organization without bidding in the auction are welcome to give donations for the Mills Breast Cancer Institute directly to the Networkers at the auction tables throughout the weekend. Interested fans should make the check payable to “Illini Networkers,” with “Mills” on the memo line. Fans may also submit tax-deductible donations payable to “Carle Center for Philanthropy” with “Mills” or “MBCI” on the memo line.
Quick Hits:
- 25 jerseys (16 game-worn, nine not game-worn) sold via silent auction at the Michigan State and Northwestern matches on Oct. 12 and 15.
- Annual pink match to be held Oct. 22 vs. Purdue
- Proceeds will benefit Mills Breast Cancer Institute
- Donations are accepted
For more Fighting Illini volleyball news, stay tuned to FightingIllini.com and follow the team on Twitter @IlliniVBall or like Fighting Illini Volleyball on Facebook.
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