Pink Out volleyball tradition continues for Bishop Kenny, Bolles
The 12-year Bishop Kenny-Bolles tradition to raise awareness for the fight against breast cancer continued as volleyball teams from both schools squared off Oct. 8 to provide support for the Donna Foundation.
Donna Deegan, a Bishop Kenny graduate, delivered an inspiring speech to a packed gymnasium during half-time of the Pink Out event. Over $5,000 raised from pre-event t-shirt sales, a bake sale, and funds from the game’s admission were donated to benefit the Donna Foundation.
According to Bishop Kenny Head Coach Suzanne Winkler, Pink Out is one of the best nights of the year for her players and fans. “I hope it never dies down, our kids were great, tonight was great, I love to see all the pink, and having Donna Deegan come back to Bishop Kenny to help us celebrate makes it even more special,” she said.
The genesis of the annual Pink Out game started in 2008 at the suggestion of Elise Bush, head volleyball coach at The Bolles School. “Elise asked whether or not, in light of the heightened consciousness about breast cancer, we could dedicate one of our games in support of breast cancer awareness. I thought it was a great idea, and an even better idea to put our rivalry with Bolles to work for a good cause,” said Winkler.
Bush passed away in February 2018 and was recently inducted into the Florida High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame. The annual event sparked numerous other volleyball programs across the First Coast to hold similar “Dig Pink” or “Pink Out” matches. “She was an unbelievable mentor and every time we do this, I think about her, Winkler said, referring to Bush. “She was just always doing it for the right reason. She motivated so many people and touched so many lives. She was definitely missed by us all tonight.”
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