By Madde Tatum
Due to the coronavirus outbreak, William Peace University has chosen that it’s best to make all classes online and shut the campus, which also means all events are cancelled, including the women’s softball game that was set for Sunday. The softball game would have been the 15th annual pink game.
WPU’s women’s head softball coach, Charlie Dobbins, had a lot planned to help raise money to strike out cancer. In partnership with SGA, t-shirts were printed out to be sold at the game where all proceeds would have been sent to the National Cancer Foundation, and an auction would have been held by Dobbins to sell pink bats, balls and a jersey signed by the coaching staff and players.
This event was started about 15 years ago by one of Dobbins’ friend, Peggy Canevari in association with The Pink Ribbon Riders. The Pink Ribbon Riders were planning on riding in on motorcycles during this event to support the Pacers.
Each year, the Pink Ribbon Riders raise about $30,000 to go to patients in need. The Riders start in Raleigh at Scooters Bar and Grill, and their first stop was suppose to take place at WPU softball field where there also would have been a BBQ food truck to feed the crowd.
“It’s a fun day because the motorcycles come out and park right out there,” said Dobbins. “It’s great food and competition. It’s important for our girls to help raise money in this way to go to these women and the organization to help them become survivors.”
Dobbins says that the event alone raises about $600 – $800 each year to go to the cause for cancer. Even though the event got cancelled, WPU women’s softball still supports http://1ofus.org.
Madde Tatum – WPU softball team gearing up for Sunday’s game